Debrecen Jewish Congregation is Hungary’s largest Israelite community outside the capital. The older of Debrecen’s two surviving synagogues, the Orthodox synagogue was built in Pásti Street in the early 1880s. In 2015, a tourist and cultural center opened there to display the history of Debrecen’s Jewish community, its life, faith and traditions. The Holocaust memorial in the yard of the Orthodox synagogue was dedicated in June 2015, commemorating the victims from Debrecen. The names of six thousand local Jews who perished in the Holocaust, during forced labor, in concentration camps or in the ghetto, were carved into the memorial wall made of concrete and black metal. Erected in 1909 in Kápolnás Street, the synagogue “status quo ante” shares a plot with the former Jewish High School (now Youth Center). The Orthodox synagogue was built in Pásti Street in 1894. On 26 April 2015, the synagogue was re-opened in its full beauty, and now serves multiple purposes within the community: it is not only a sacred space but a touristic attraction, a conference center and a public venue as well. BEIT HAMIDRASH Built in the 1910s, the Beit Hamidrash is nowadays the site of the daily sermons of the community, except during the time of the big holidays. ORTHODOX MIKVAH Located in the basement of the winter tabernacle at Pásti Street, the old mikvah is to become a kosher winery and exhibition area upon being restored. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL The monumental concrete wall was designed by young aspiring architects and since the summer of 2015, it has been standing proudly to remind everybody of the little more than 6000 Holocaust victims that were from Debrecen. BUTCHERY The butchery, used for its designated purpose up until the 1980s, is nowadays an excellent exhibition and resting area. KÁPOLNÁSI SYNAGOGUE Built between 1909-1910, the “small” church, which is able to accommodate 600 people, has recently been renovated. The synagogue is used for religious purposes on the big Jewish holidays but it has hosted cultural happenings of different kinds on several occasions. PILGRIMS' HOSTEL The Jewish community provides accommodation for visitors at the reconditioned community center. DEBRECEN JEWISH CEMETERY Since 1842, the cemetery of the Debrecen community has been open to the public at its original location at Monostorapályi Street and has been part of the same organization.

A peaceful interlude can be found here from the cacophony of town with neat paths bordered by tropical vegetation. You can spot slumbering bats in mahogany and eucalyptus trees, bird life and monitor lizards on the lawns. There is also a playground for the kids and a golden Buddha statue.

If you’re based on Porto Santo and fancy a glimpse of its sister island, a day trip to Madeira is doable. A daily ferry connects the two in just over 2 hours each way, with plenty of Atlantic views to enjoy along the journey. Once in Funchal, you can wander colourful markets, historic streets, and lush botanical gardens, or take the cable car up to Monte for sweeping vistas. A same-day return is possible if you start early, but it does make for a long day. Most travellers prefer staying at least one night on Madeira to explore at a more relaxed pace.

Scattered throughout the Old Town, these twelve churches are among the oldest buildings in Cologne—most of them date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. They’ve all got that heavy Romanesque look, but each one’s a bit different. Great St. Martin stands out with its massive tower right by the river, St. Gereon has got an unusual oval dome, and St. Maria im Kapitol is one of the largest. You don’t need to see all twelve, but stopping in at a couple while you’re exploring the Old Town gives you a good feel for the city’s medieval side.