Description of the attraction
The synagogue or, as it is also called, Temple, was opened in Ivano-Frankivsk in 1899. The idea of building a synagogue came from the members of the Progress Society back in 1877, a year later they managed to secure the allocation of a land plot for building. In 1895, the first stone was laid in the construction of the synagogue by Rabbi Isaac Horowitz, the Austrian architect Wilhelm Stässny was appointed the architect. The construction of the synagogue took four years. The doors of the synagogue were opened to parishioners on September 4, 1899, in the presence of not only the clergy, but also representatives of local authorities.
The stone synagogue was built in the neo-Renaissance style, and the Moorish style also greatly influenced its appearance. The main hall was able to accommodate up to 300 believers (seating). Initially, the corners of the synagogue were crowned with four domed towers decorated with the stars of David. The entrance to the synagogue was on the west side. In the main hall along the perimeter there were galleries specially designated for women.
During the First World War, the building was partially destroyed; after the restoration of 1927-1929, the roof was replaced in the synagogue and the painting of the inner walls was renewed. The same fate awaited the synagogue during the Great Patriotic War - the building was almost completely destroyed, after which it took years to restore it.
In 1990, part of the premises was returned to the Jewish community. The rest is occupied by a furniture store. A memorial plate was installed in one of the walls of the building, which is dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the OUN-UPA.
