A guide to Jewish Athens: Beth Shalom Synagogue, the Jewish Museum of Greece, the Holocaust memorial and the story of the Romaniote Jews – plus Shabbat with Yana.
By Yana, a local in Athens · Updated October 2026
Jewish Athens – a story spanning millennia
Jewish Athens is a fascinating and lesser-known chapter of any trip to Greece. Jewish presence in Greece goes back to antiquity, and the Athens community – small today – keeps Jewish life active: synagogues, a museum, a memorial and a distinctive tradition. For Jewish travelers and anyone curious about history, it's a chance to see another side of the city – not only Greek temples, but the story of the Jews who lived here through the centuries. Most sites are in the centre, within walking distance of Plaka and Thissio, so they fit easily into an ordinary sightseeing day.
The Romaniote Jews – Greece's ancient community
The Romaniote Jews are the oldest Jewish community in Europe, living in Greek lands since antiquity, long before Sephardic Jews arrived. They spoke Greek, sometimes writing it in Hebrew letters, and developed their own prayer customs and liturgical poetry. After the expulsion from Spain, many Sephardic Jews settled in Greece and became the majority, especially in Thessaloniki. Athens still has a Romaniote synagogue today, one of the rare places in the world where you can encounter this tradition up close.
Beth Shalom Synagogue
Beth Shalom is the main active synagogue of the Athens Jewish community, located on Melidoni Street in the neighbourhood between Thissio and Psiri. It's an impressive white building with classical columns, where Shabbat and holiday services are held. Directly across the street stands the older Romaniote synagogue. Because of security measures, visits must be arranged in advance with a passport, and entry isn't always possible for every visitor. Check ahead when visits are possible, and dress modestly.
The Jewish Museum of Greece
The Jewish Museum of Greece, on the edge of Plaka, tells the story of Greece's Jewish communities across more than two thousand years. Its displays include ritual objects, Torah scrolls, jewellery, traditional costumes, photographs and documents, as well as a Romaniote synagogue interior relocated and reassembled inside the museum. An important section is devoted to the Holocaust and the destruction of the communities, along with stories of rescue. Allow about an hour to an hour and a half, and combine it with a stroll around Plaka right outside. Opening hours vary – check before you go.
The Holocaust memorial
Near the synagogues, at the end of Ermou Street opposite the archaeological site of Kerameikos, stands the Holocaust memorial to the Jews of Greece. It takes the form of a broken Star of David, its pieces inscribed with the names of the Greek Jewish communities devastated in the Holocaust. During the Second World War most of Greece's Jews were deported to the death camps, and entire communities were almost wiped out. In Athens, thanks to help from some residents, the Church and local police, more Jews were able to hide and survive. It's a quiet place of remembrance, worth pausing at for a few minutes.
Shabbat in Athens with Yana
If you're in Athens over Shabbat and want to feel at home, you can join the Kabbalat Shabbat Yana organizes: a warm evening with Kiddush, songs and a kosher meal, together with Israelis and Jewish travelers from around the world. Yana also arranges a kosher Greek taverna night with live music, so you can enjoy the Greek atmosphere without compromising on kashrut. There's also a kosher restaurant in the city centre. These evenings are popular, especially over holidays and in summer, so message Yana on WhatsApp a few days ahead to save your place.
Putting together a Jewish heritage route
You can see all the main Jewish sites in a single morning or afternoon: start at the Jewish Museum on the edge of Plaka, walk through Monastiraki to the Thissio area, stop at the memorial and the synagogues, then continue to the lanes of Psiri or the ancient site of Kerameikos. Comfortable shoes and a bottle of water are all you need. If you're arriving for Shabbat with family or a group and don't want to navigate the streets with luggage, Yana can arrange a private transfer to get you settled before Shabbat begins.
Questions & answers
Is there an active synagogue in Athens?
Yes, Beth Shalom Synagogue on Melidoni Street is the community's main synagogue, with a Romaniote synagogue opposite. Visits must be arranged in advance with a passport.
Where is the Jewish Museum of Greece?
On the edge of Plaka, within walking distance of Syntagma Square. Opening hours vary, so check before you go.
Who are the Romaniote Jews?
Greece's ancient, Greek-speaking Jewish community, living here before the Sephardic Jews arrived and keeping their own customs.
Can I spend a kosher Shabbat in Athens?
Yes. Yana organizes Kabbalat Shabbat with a kosher meal and a kosher Greek taverna night, and there's a kosher restaurant in the city centre.
