The Old Synagogue dates back to the early 19th century and is the oldest building in the Jewish Suburbium. It represents a unique type of nine-bay synagogue. Located at the center of the complex and surrounded by other structures, its placement reflected contemporary restrictions requiring Jewish houses of prayer to be built away from dominant, highly visible locations and at a distance from Christian churches.

The synagogue's interior consists of a vestibule, a small study hall, the main men's prayer hall, and a women's gallery located on the upper floor on the western side of the building. The original monumental Neoclassical portico with the staircase leading to the women's gallery has not survived.

The main prayer hall is vaulted into nine sections supported by four central pillars. Between them stands the bimah, an elevated platform used for reading the Torah. The vaults are decorated with rich ornamental paintings in the Moorish style.

An interesting feature of the synagogue is the set of semi-circular arched niches on the eastern wall, approximately 40 cm deep. They were likely used to store prayer books.

The floor of the synagogue lies a few steps below ground level. This design is sometimes interpreted as a symbol of humility, reflecting Psalm 130: “Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord.” However, a more likely explanation stems from historical height restrictions on Jewish buildings, which were not permitted to exceed the height of Christian churches.

The building features twelve windows, symbolically referencing the twelve tribes of Israel. Above the windows in the eastern section are two Hebrew inscriptions with texts from the Old Testament. Only traces remain of the original space intended for the Aron Kodesh (the Holy Ark). The Hebrew inscription Keter Torah (Crown of the Torah) marks the spot where the ark once stood.

After the Second World War, the Jewish community in Bardejov was almost completely destroyed, although those who returned tried to restore their religious life, it was difficult.

Following World War II, the Jewish community in Bardejov was almost completely destroyed. Although those who returned attempted to revive religious life, it proved to be extremely difficult. After the 1948 communist coup in Slovakia, the majority of Jewish residents left the country, emigrating to Western Europe, the United States, or the newly established State of Israel.

The synagogue gradually fell into disrepair. Until 2010, the building was used as a hardware store.

In November 2014, resources in the amount of 617,000 euros were allocated from EEA and Norwegian grants to the Central Union of Jewish Religious Communities in the Slovak Republic (UZZNO) for the restoration of the Old Synagogue.

Reconstruction began in 2015, and in June 2017, the restored synagogue was officially reopened to the public.