Built around 1300 to serve as the religious, spiritual and cultural centre for the city's Jewish community, the synagogue was also part of the southern fortified section of Maribor. It was the most important medieval Jewish centre for the wider region and the birthplace of one of Europe's most important Jews of the 15th century, Isserlein Bar Petachia. Today it is a museum displaying photos and other artefacts concerned with Jewish culture, but the building's historical character is still very strong and it is regarded as one of the city's most important heritage sites. Since 2001, a number of cultural events have been held here, and since 2011 the synagogue is home to the Centre for Jewish Cultural Heritage Synagogue Maribor.