Geelong Synagogue, Heritage synagogue in Greater Geelong, Australia.
Geelong Synagogue is a heritage building in Greater Geelong with classical revival design and rendered brick walls. It features arched windows, decorated supporting piers, and a distinctive slate roof.
The foundation stone was laid on 22 July 1861 and the synagogue was consecrated on 1 December 1861. It replaced an earlier wooden synagogue on the same corner, consecrated on 1 June 1854. The building was designed by John Young, with F. T. Honey, and built by Jones and Halpin.
The congregation first met in a wooden synagogue consecrated on 1 June 1854 at the same corner of Yarra and McKillop Streets; the present building replaced it and was consecrated on 1 December 1861. A Hebrew inscription sits in the fanlight above the paired wooden entrance doors. The building later served as offices after refurbishment.
The building sits at the intersection of McKillop and Yarra Streets where it is easy to locate. Today it functions as office space, so visitors can view it from outside to appreciate its architectural details.
The structure displays Italianate details including Corinthian pilasters and a broken pediment with circular arches. These ornamental features reflect the architectural style favored for important buildings in colonial Australia.
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