The grounds surrounding the synagogue in Švėkšna are being landscaped and improved to make the complex attractive both to tourists and to residents of the town.
The masonry synagogue, located on the town’s main square across from the twin-towered church, was built in 1928 after a fire devastated the town. Then President of Lithuania Antanas Smetona attended its inauguration.
The building has been under renovation for nearly a decade and will eventually serve as a cultural space and museum. In 2018, its roof was replaced and its facade was fully restored. Work is continuing on the interior which also has been mostly renovated and already hosts exhibitions and other events, including virtual reality visits.
The work on the grounds began in August and should be completed by next June.
It is being carried out by the Šilutė District Municipality Administration, with €120 780,51 allocated for the project– €100,000 from the EU and 20 780,51 from Šilutė district municipality funds.
The project includes installing footpaths, lighting, and information signage, planting greenery, and building small fixed elements. The nearly 1,000 square meter site will become accessible to disabled people.
“The project will also contribute to the development of tourism in Klaipėda region and the preservation of cultural heritage,” the District said on its web site.
The project will ensure that “modern public spaces will be created near the cultural heritage object, the safety and convenience of visitors will be improved, [and there will be] compliance with the principles of universal design.”
It said on Facebook: “These works will help to ensure that the unique historical object becomes even more attractive and accessible to all visitors – including people with disabilities.”
Watch a brief video about the history of the synagogue, in Lithuanian with English subtitles.
Read the announcement on the District web site
See photos and videos about the restoration (from 2021)