The long-planned, and long-delayed restoration of the ruined synagogue in Vidin, Bulgaria may begin this year, with the aim of completion by the end of 2021. Plans are to convert the synagogue into a multi-functional cultural space including a museum dedicated to the Vidin-born Jewish artist Jules Pascin (1885-1930).
Architectural plans for the conversion were revealed at a public meeting in December.
According to reports in late February in local media, the Vidin city government received funding for the project through the Operational Program Regions in Growth 2014-2020 (OPRG), which includes financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and national co-financing. Bulgaria’s Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works is the Managing Authority for the Program.
Bulgarian’s Jewish community formally transferred ownership of the ruined synagogue to the municipality in November 2017.
Built in 1894 in a neo-Gothic style, the synagogue, which is listed as a national cultural monument, has long stood a roofless ruin. It was put on the World Monuments Fund Watch list in 2004.
Here’s a video of the planned renovation, from the Vidin Synagogue Facebook Page:
2 comments on “Bulgaria: It looks like the restoration of the Vidin synagogue is moving forward”
I have just been there and locals say the Council is keeping the money but not working on the restoration so…suspicious that it is taking too long. some accountability should be taken place immediately because it is falling apart.
Bulgaria should have a warm spot in the heart of every Jew. During World War II Bulgaria along with Denmark were the only countries that actively protected their Jewish population. When the Nazis came for the Jews Bulgaria said no. As a result most of their Jewish citizens survived the war.
While the restoration of these ruined buildings is a wonderful thing I am saddened that almost none of them are being used as synagogues.