Alba Iulia — Gyulafehérvár in Hungarian, Karlsburg in German — was the capital of the Principality of Transylvania. In 1623 Prince Gabriel Bethlen granted Sephardi Jews a charter, and from 1653, for generations, the city was the only place in Transylvania where Jews could legally live. Its rabbis were regarded as chief rabbis of Transylvania, among them Rabbi Ezekiel Panet, in whose time the Mareh Yehezkel synagogue — the first masonry synagogue in Transylvania — was inaugurated in 1840. In the Second World War the city remained under Romanian rule: its Jews suffered under anti-Jewish laws, confiscations and forced labour, but were not deported. The synagogue was restored and rededicated in 2017, and the old cemetery still stands in the city centre.
For some two hundred years Alba Iulia was the only place in Transylvania where Jews could legally live, and its rabbis were regarded as chief rabbis of Transylvania. The Mareh Yehezkel synagogue of 1840…
For some two hundred years Alba Iulia was the only place in Transylvania where Jews could legally live, and its rabbis were…
Details from the community directory of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania (FCER), checked on 5 November 2026. Contact the community before visiting to arrange access to the synagogue or cemetery and to ask about a minyan and kosher food. FCER community directory
str. T. Vladimirescu 2 · Built in 1840
From the list of synagogues of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania (FCER), checked on 5 November 2026. Synagogues marked “In use” are listed as functioning. The others still stand but may be closed or used as a museum or hall. Arrange visits with the community in advance. FCER list
No address on the official list
From the Federation’s cemetery list (2007). Arrange visits in advance with the community, which holds the keys.
Map of Jewish cemeteries in RomaniaAstronomical calculation for the town-centre coordinates, sea-level horizon, Romanian time: dawn 16.1°, tallit & tefillin 11.5°, nightfall 7.083°, candle lighting 18 minutes before sunset, Shabbat ends 8.5°. For orientation only; consult a rabbi on questions of halacha.
According to the chains’ own websites. Branch addresses and hours are in each chain’s store locator.
Hundreds of products from Romanian supermarkets with a recognised hechsher. In the catalogue you can filter by the chain you shop at.
Open the kosher catalogueGeneral guidance for travellers. For any kashrut question, consult a rabbi.
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