The Old-New Synagogue is also called Altneuschul, which means "old-new-school" in German. In 1275, the building was a New Synagogue. It came to be called Old-New in the 1500s, after more synagogues were built.
During the Medieval era, builders were Christian, and they used the same Gothic details found in Christian churches and cathedrals. Like Gothic churches, Old-New Synagogue has octagonal pillars and vaulted ceilings.