The Ashkenazi Jewish community bought the land in 1893, and planning began in 1895. Wilhelm Stiassny, an Austrian Jewish architect, made the original draft in the Moorish Revival style. The article says the proposal was initially rejected. Karel Pařík produced the final design, with changes the provincial government requested, and Ludwig Jungwirth built it. It was dedicated in 1902.
It is a four-story building with enormous arches and a high ornate ceiling bearing a ten-pointed star. German forces used it as a stable in World War II and destroyed the Torah ark. In 1964 the main prayer room moved to the upper level. It was renovated in the 2000s.
It is the only functioning synagogue in Sarajevo, and a National Monument since 2006.
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