Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Denmark
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Sweden
Switzerland
Church · Paramaribo, Paramaribo
Synagoge Neveh Shalom
Neoclassical synagogue built between 1835 and 1842 on Keizerstraat, neighboring the Mesquita da Keizerstraat. It houses a small museum about the history of Jews in Suriname.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Synagoge Neveh Shalom
The Sinagoga Neve Shalom is on Keizerstraat in Paramaribo's historic center, next to the mosque. The land was purchased by Sephardic Jews in 1716, and the first synagogue on the site was completed in 1723. The current neoclassical building was designed by J. F. Halfhide, construction began in 1835 and was finished in 1842.
The Jewish community arrived in Suriname in the 17th century and founded, upriver, the Jodensavanne, one of the first Jewish settlements in the Americas. Over time, families moved to Paramaribo. Neve Shalom was first used by Sephardim and Ashkenazim; later the two communities separated and, in the 1990s, reunited, alternating buildings and rites.
The building has a neoclassical façade with columns and a triangular pediment, and the interior houses the ark and the congregation's benches. Inside there is a small museum about the history of Jews in Suriname, with religious objects, documents and photographs.
The synagogue and the neighboring Mesquita form one of the most well-known images of Paramaribo. Internal visits depend on the community; confirm before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 40 minutes including the museum.
Best time
On weekdays in the morning. The synagogue does not receive visitors on Saturdays or on Jewish holidays; confirm opening times before you go.
How to get there
Located on Keizerstraat in the historic center, next to the mosque. It's about a five-minute walk from the cathedral.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Mesquita next door and ask to see the small museum. Modest clothing is recommended.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Synagoge Neveh Shalom
Can you visit Sinagoga Neve Shalom?
Yes, generally during weekdays, with the small museum. It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays; confirm before you go.
When does the synagogue date from?
The current building was constructed between 1835 and 1842, on the site of a 1723 synagogue.
What is Jodensavanne?
One of the earliest Jewish settlements in the Americas, upriver from Paramaribo, from which families later moved to the capital.
Why are the synagogue and the mosque next to each other?
The two communities settled on the same central street, and the buildings ended up next to each other, separated only by a wall.