Synagoge Meerssen

The Synagogue was built between 1851 and 1853 to a design by the renowned architect JL Lemmens from Beek. On July 17, 1853, the Jewish community officially inaugurated the Synagogue for worship. This came to an end in the Second World War when almost all Jewish inhabitants of Meerssen were deported and the Synagogue slowly fell into disrepair.

In 1989, a large-scale restoration of the Meerssen Synagogue, set up by the State, Province and Municipality of Meerssen, was completed. The bronze doors of the Synagogue were made by the Maastricht artist Appie Drielsma. The names and dates of birth and death of the Jews who lived in Meerssen are stated on the doors.

The monumental letters recall the past and the terrible events that also affected the Jewish community in Meerssen. The Meerssen Synagogue now functions as a Learning House. Cultural events and lectures take place regularly. The Synagogue can be visited on request (also by schools and groups). In 2009, the house that stood in front of the Synagogue was demolished, making the Synagogue beautifully visible.

Jewish cemetery
The Jewish cemetery of Meerssen is located along the Geul between Meerssen and Rothem. The cemetery was inaugurated in 1715. This makes it one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the Netherlands. The cemetery is a national monument and is not open to the public.