The Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) of the Grand Est region of France has added to the register of historic monuments newly discovered wall paintings in the 19th century synagogue of Guebwiller, in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, as well as the former rabbi’s house next to the synagogue, which has a mikveh preserved in its basement.
The new listings provide protection as historic monuments for “a preserved synagogue complex,” DRAC said in an announcement in March.
Inaugurated in 1872 to replace a smaller early 19th century building, the synagogue was designed by the architect Auguste Hartmann with a central nave, two side aisles, a wooden coffered ceiling, and a distinctive row of arched windows on its upper elevation.
It was devastated by the Nazis during World War II, but local people managed to save the interior furnishings. It underwent major restoration and rededication in 1957, and, while owned by the Jewish Consistory of Haut-Rhin, it has not been used for religious services for several decades because of the dwindling congregation.
The building itself has been listed as a historic monument since 1984.
“On the proposal of the Grand Est Regional Heritage and Architecture Commission, the Grand Est Prefect has extended the registration of the Guebwiller synagogue as a historic monument to the interior paintings, the facades and roofs of which had already been registered since 1984, and has also registered the adjoining former rabbi’s house,” the DRAC stated.
The wall paintings, long hidden under whitewash, were discovered during restoration work carried out in the past few years.
See the announcement from DRAC on the Culture Ministry web site
See our 2022 post about the restoration