The Old Synagogue is located in the historic city centre, in Új Street, which, despite its name, is one of the oldest streets in Sopron. It was originally called Jewish Street, as Jewish families settled here around 1300. The medieval synagogue was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and was a prayer house, meeting hall and school. It is almost unique in Central Europe. Next to it stood the hermitage, which housed travellers, and the ritual baths, which can still be visited today. In 1526 the Jews were expelled from Sopron, and the synagogue was destroyed and converted into a dwelling house. Its remains were rediscovered during excavations in 1967, when the building was restored to its former splendour.