Grand choral synagogue in St. Petersburg and is an architectural monument of national importance. Synagogue on Lermontovsky Prospekt - the spiritual center of the Jewish religious community of the Northern capital. Here the Jews are committing religious rites, celebrate, and socialize. Is the second in Europe by the value.

The Jewish community has played an important role in the development of Russia and the Petersburg formation. Despite the fact that the decree of Catherine II the Jews were forbidden to live both in Petersburg and in Russia in General, they came for a short time. During the reign of Catherine II, some Jews were allowed in the interests of the Russian state to live in St. Petersburg, but a decree prohibiting the entry of Jews in the capital continued to operate.

After the partition of Poland by Russia was obtained vast territories inhabited by Belarusians, poles, Ukrainians, and Lithuanians, including Jews. So at the end of the 18th century Jews were more likely to appear in St. Petersburg. At the same time began the formation of the first Jewish community in St. Petersburg, a big businessman Abram Peretz was its main representative.

In the 19th century the Jewish community of St. Petersburg about 10 thousand believers. Around town it was located several small chapels, but to fully satisfy religious needs, it was not enough. In this regard, it was decided to start the construction of the synagogue.

The place for construction was looking for in a decade. January 16, 1879, the Jewish community bought the house and land Rostov A. A. at a Big Studio. In the summer of the same year a competition was announced for the project of construction of the synagogue. The project was designed by architect L. I. Bachmann and I. Shaposhnikov, with the participation of N. L. Benoit and V. V. Stasov.

In may 1883, Alexander II approved the preliminary design for a future synagogue. A. A. Kaufman headed the building Committee and the construction was led by A.V. Malov assistants S. O. Klein and B. I. Girshovich. Since 1884 the construction was supervised by N. L. Benois and S. Polyakov was Chairman of the Committee. The main sponsors of the construction work became the first Chairman of the Jewish community of St. Petersburg, Baron Horace Gunzburg and well-known philanthropist Poles. In their honor in the main hall of the synagogue were built memorials.

In October, 1886, was consecrated Small synagogue, before the opening of the Great hall in it placed a Temporary synagogue. The construction of the Great synagogue was completed in 1888, but the finishing work continued for about five years. December 8, 1893, a solemn consecration of the Great synagogue.

The Big choral synagogue designed in Oriental, is rather Moorish style. The center is decorated with corbels and portal with paired columns in the form of an arch. The building is crowned with a spherical dome. The lobby of the Jewish temple has an original acoustics — whispered words are heard in the distance of about 10m. In the center of the lobby of the voice is amplified several times.

After the opening of the Great choral synagogue in the city closed all the chapels, which led to certain difficulties in the administration of rites, because the new building could not accommodate all those who need it. In 1909, before the building of the synagogue has installed a fence of granite blocks in place of the dilapidated wooden fence.

In 1929, by order of the city Council of the Jewish religious community was liquidated, and in January 1930, the synagogue was closed. However, in June 1930, after the complaints of the Jews in the Central Executive Committee, the synagogue was reopened.

Before the Olympic games of 1980, which took place in including in Leningrad, Grand choral synagogue became the main sightseeing objects, so funds were allocated for its reconstruction and repair.

Recently the facade of the synagogue was returned to the terracotta-red original color. The main hall of the Jewish temple is decorated with original chandelier, it is newly renovated and covered with silver leaf. It was originally gas, but later it was converted to electric.

For women there is a separate gallery located on the second floor. During prayer, men and women are separated, believers not to be distracted from fellowship with God. Above the women's gallery is a men's choir.