Synagogue

The Westhoffen synagogue, built in the 19th century, stands out for its neo-Orientalist style, chosen to distinguish Jewish places of worship from Christian churches. Its windows and entrance portal are adorned with horseshoe arches inspired by Middle Eastern architecture. Westhoffen hosts a significant Jewish heritage: in the 18th century, the village was home to one of the largest communities in the region, numbering nearly 300 people, and was the birthplace or residence of figures such as Karl Marx, Léon Blum, and Michel Debré. The first synagogue was built there in 1626, followed by two reconstructions in 1760 and 1865 on the same site. The current building impresses with its richness and grandeur, typical of 19th-century constructions in the village. The synagogue and its interior layout have been listed as supplementary Historic Monuments since 1990. After the Jewish population moved to other cities, the building became disused before being purchased and partially restored by the municipality.