Big Synagogue in Jarosław, Synagoge in Jarosław
The Big Synagogue in Jarosław is a substantial building made of brick and stone, featuring a rectangular form with rounded windows and a striking front facade on Opolska Street. Inside, a nine-part cross-vault ceiling creates a sense of grandeur, and the main prayer hall now hosts art exhibitions and cultural events through the School of Plastic Arts located there.
The synagogue was built between 1807 and 1811, replacing an earlier structure that was destroyed at the end of the 1600s. Before World War II, one-third of Jarosław's population was Jewish, and the building served as a vibrant center for religious and social life during that time.
The synagogue was long the heart of the Jewish community's life in Jarosław, serving as a place for prayer, celebration, and shared gatherings. Today, visitors can sense this cultural past through the art exhibitions now held inside, which bring the space back to life in a new way.
The building is located near the town square and is easy to reach on foot; check ahead about exhibitions or events to learn when the interior is open for visitors. The synagogue is part of the Multicultural Route of Jarosław, which connects other historical sites nearby.
The nine-part cross-vault ceiling inside is one of the overlooked architectural features, yet it gives the prayer space a special quality that still impresses today. Few visitors realize that some original elements like the ark and inscribed tablets from the 1800s are preserved in the museum in Łańcut.
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