Worms Synagogue District — Mikveh and Synagogue Garden Soft Opening

The Worms Synagogue District

In the heart of Worms' city center — at Synagogenplatz, in immediate proximity to the Cathedral and Heylshof — lies the Synagogue District: a historical ensemble comprising the rebuilt synagogue (original from the 11th century, destroyed in November 1938, reconstructed from 1958/61), the medieval mikveh (ritual bath from the 12th century), and the synagogue garden. The ensemble has been part of the SchUM Sites UNESCO World Heritage since 2021.

Ten Years of Renovation

After decades of tourist use, comprehensive renovation became necessary. Over approximately ten years, the ensemble was fundamentally restored, structural problems were resolved, the mikveh was protected, and the synagogue garden was re-conceptualized. Accompanying archaeological excavations were carried out over five years, yielding important insights into the medieval Jewish topography of Worms.

Soft Opening on April 12, 2026

On April 12, 2026 — as part of the spring action weekend "Worms blüht auf" — the Synagogue District will be reopened in the sense of a "soft opening." Free short tours of the mikveh will allow visitors a first impression of the newly accessible spaces. The SchUMobil — the information vehicle of the SchUM Association — will be present in Worms' city center, explaining the UNESCO World Heritage concept of the three SchUM cities.

Regular Access from Spring 2026

Following the soft opening, the Synagogue District will be regularly accessible by appointment from spring 2026. Exact conditions and booking details will be published on worms-erleben.de. With the Heiliger Sand (Holy Sand cemetery) and the synagogue, the Jewish heritage of Worms gains visibility in its full breadth.