(JHE) — The former synagogue in Sabile, Latvia, used already for years as a culture center, has reopened to the public as the revamped and expanded “Sabile Art, Culture and Tourism Center,” that forms part of a EU- and state-funded heritage tourism network.
The synagogue now forms part of “Jacob’s Way” — a heritage route across western Latvia (named after a 17th century duke) that is one of seven heritage trails that comprise the nationwide “Found Latvia” heritage project, financed by EU, state, and local funding, which encompasses some 60 historic buildings and sites.
Latvian President Egils Levits and other officials took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony June 18.
Within the framework of the project, the former synagogue was restored as an architectural monument of national significance and an adjacent building was renovated and connected by a covered passage. The town square where it stands was also reconstructed.
Costs amounted to €760,244.32. Of these, €300,000.00 from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding, €358,889.67 from local government funding, and €101,354.65 from a state budget grant to local government. The project was implemented by Talsi municipality (of which Sabile forms part)..
Built in 1890, when nearly three quarters of the town’s residents were Jewish, the former synagogue was used as a public bath house during WW2 and after 1950 as a school and sports center. It became a produce market and warehouse in the 1980s. It then stood empty for years until it was bought by Latvian sculptor Ojārs Arvīds Feldbergs and renovated in 2001-2004 as a local art center.
“Sabile stands out with its special appearance,” Levits said at the opening of the new center. “As we drive through it, we can see that this is an ancient city with a rich history […]. This building, a former synagogue, also belongs to this history. This synagogue has now regained its new role as a cultural and artistic center, not just a local center, but one that will also bring together artists and art lovers from near and far.”
See the President’s web site with pictures of the opening
See the Found Latvia web site with before and after pictures of the synagogue