Old Synagogue in Plzeň, Romanesque Revival synagogue in Jižní Předměstí, Plzeň, Czech Republic.
The Old Synagogue in Plzeň is a religious building featuring two towers that blend Romanesque Revival elements with Oriental decorative details. The structure displays intricate stonework, colored windows, and an impressive interior hall with a gallery-like configuration that creates a sense of grandeur.
The building was constructed between 1857 and 1859 as a testament to the Jewish community's presence in Plzeň during the 19th century. Following its closure under Nazi occupation, it underwent major restoration in the 1990s that returned it to public use as a cultural venue.
The central hall serves as a venue for musical performances, benefiting from the building's excellent acoustic properties. The spaces carry the memory of the Jewish community that once gathered here to pray and celebrate their traditions.
The building is centrally located in Plzeň and easily accessible on foot from the city center. Visitors can explore the interior during performances and exhibitions that take place regularly throughout the year.
The original design by Max Fleischer called for a Gothic style with granite buttresses, but Emmanuel Klotz revised the plans after the city council raised concerns. This redesign resulted in the eclectic mix of architectural styles that characterizes the building today.
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