(JHE) — The restoration of the massive dome of the monumental synagogue in Trieste has been completed, and the refurbished dome makes a newly resplendent addition to the skyline of the city.
As we wrote in January, the restoration work, which began around New Years, was aimed at renovating the external structure, including restoring its original grey-beige coloring.
In a Facebook post, the Trieste Jewish community said the €40,000 project, which was funded by Fondazione CRTrieste, was completed at the end of February.
“After years in which it appeared rusty and deteriorated, the dome now gleams silvery in Trieste’s sky,” it said.
In addition to the exterior work, it said, the restoration had upgraded the dome’s insulation. It said the restoration was a first step in the possible opening to the public of the flat roof below the dome, so it could serve as a terrace affording a spectacular view of the city.
The 1,400-seat synagogue is one of the largest and most imposing in Europe. Inaugurated in 1912, it is an opulent monument to the pride, power and prosperity of Triestine Jews at that time. A number of leading international architects submitted designs for the building, but the Jewish community awarded the commission to a local architect, Ruggiero Berlam, and his son Arduino.
Drawing heavily on ancient Babylonian and Middle Eastern motifs, the Berlams designed a massive, almost fortresslike structure. A huge rose window centered on a star of David dominates the stark main façade, which is flanked by a hulking, truncated tower.
In the dome, the Berlams utilized materials and techniques that were innovative for the time, such as reinforced concrete.
“The dome is an extraordinary structure, innovative for the period in which it was constructed,” Aulo Guagnini, the engineer overseeing the operations, told Il Piccolo newspaper in January. “It has a double shell of reinforced concrete […] the exterior is covered in sheet metal.”
Read our article about the restoration in January
See Jewish community Facebook Post
2 comments on “ITALY UPDATE: Restoration of the Dome of the Synagogue in Trieste is Completed”
My father, Rabbi Mayer Relles, was the rabbi in Trieste in 1949-1952, and AGAIN in 1971-1976. This synagogue is a gem I visited many times. Most recently I was there on a trip and went to services. One of the people there remembered my father and showed me his prayer book that my father had inscribed. So glad to see this renovation is complete.
That is simply amazing! So, so, impressive.
That a heritage Jewish building could enhance and enrich the landscape of a city is so special.
I’m sure all the citizens of Triest must feel the same way.