A new phase of restoration work on the centuries-old former synagogue in Lesko, southeast Poland, is under way — restoration of the tower.
Current work on the building, carried out by the municipality, began in 2021. So far it has entailed drainage work on the walls and foundations and repairing damaged interior plaster, flooring and doors. Mayor Adam Snarski posted about it on his web site and Facebook page.
He said the city had applied for funds to renovate the entire building through the state program for monuments protection.
The synagogue is believed to have been built around the second quarter of the 17th century.
It underwent restructuring in the 19th century, when the tower was added.
Devastated during WW2, it was rebuilt in the early 1960s — the reconstruction added baroque gables (which a booklet on sale at the synagogue some years ago said had been removed in the 19th century).
This reconstruction also extended the height of the tower to above the roof level, giving the building its current profile.
For more than four decades it has housed a gallery of local arts and crafts.
Watch a local TV video report and read an article about the current renovation