In the 1860's, around 300 members of Basel's Jewish community, who had a residency rights since 1849, decided to build a synagogue, which was constructed between 1866 and 1869. The architect had little experience of sacred buildings and so he traveled throughout Germany and France, hoping that other synagogues would inspire him. The oriental and Moorish influences are obvious, especially that of the Alhambra Palace. In 1892 the synagogue was extended, and another dome added. The decorations hidden by paint at the time of this extension were restored to their former glory in the renovation undertaken in 1986-1987.