Jewish Heritage Europe

Italy: Rome’s main synagogue, the Tempio Maggiore, presents a striking image swathed in scaffolding and sheeting for maintenance and restoration

With its tall square dome, the monumental Tempio Maggiore or Great Synagogue in Rome is usually a striking city landmark on the bank of the Tiber River. These days it is still notable — but for another reason: its exterior is … continue reading →

Germany: UNESCO adds Erfurt’s medieval Jewish heritage to its World Heritage list. The Old Synagogue, the mikveh, and the so-called Stone House, dating from the late 11th to mid-14th centuries

(JHE) — The new year brings good news! UNESCO, the UN’s cultural body, has placed the complex of medieval Jewish buildings in Erfurt, in eastern Germany, on its World Heritage list. Mazel tov! The recognition, announced Sunday at a meeting … continue reading →

Poland: What is thought to be a large, 14th century synagogue complex is discovered in Wrocław

The remains of what is thought to be a large 14th century synagogue complex, including a mikvah, have been discovered during research linked to the renovation of the building that today houses the Historical Institute of Wrocław University. In an … continue reading →

Call for Nominations: World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize (…for a synagogue perhaps?)

The World Monuments Fund is inviting nominations for the 2024 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize — to be awarded to an architect, urban designer/planner, or other design professionals or firm in recognition of “an innovative intervention that preserved and saved … continue reading →

Poland: Petition launched to safeguard Poznan’s deteriorating former synagogue (which the Nazis had turned into a swimming pool, used til 2011)

A citizens group has launched a petition calling on city and provincial authorities in Poznan to protect the decaying former synagogue. It calls on the building’s owners to secure the building to prevent vandalism, arson, and accidents. So far more … continue reading →