Description of the attraction
The Old Town Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues located in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship in the city of Rzeszow. The synagogue was built in 1610, and 50 years later it was completely destroyed by the strongest fire. The temple was rebuilt in 1661, but a new fire burned down the synagogue again in 1739. Originally built in the Renaissance style, the building of rubble and bricks lost its original appearance after each restoration. In the 18th century, a defensive tower was added, which is currently the only trace of the city's defensive structures. In the middle of the 19th century, an attic was built on the west side, extending the upper floor. The first floor housed a rectangular vestibule, above which was the women's section. In the 50s of the 20th century, the stairs and the women's chapel were demolished. The main prayer hall was richly and exquisitely decorated, but at present nothing has survived from the original decoration.
During World War II, the synagogue was destroyed by the Nazis and remained abandoned until 1947 when the roof sagged. After a violent storm, the roof and wall of the synagogue collapsed. In 1949, by the decision of the governor, the reconstruction of the synagogue began. The Union of Polish Artists and Designers got down to work. Due to interruptions in funding, construction work was carried out for several years and was completed in 1963.
The current owner of the Old Town synagogue is the Jewish community of Krakow, and the synagogue operates an archive that collects and stores information about the history of Jews.
