Old Town Synagogue in Rzeszów, Renaissance synagogue in Old Town, Rzeszów, Poland
The Old Town Synagogue in Rzeszów is a Renaissance building with thick walls reinforced by pillars and features a Star of David carved into the stone facade. Today the building houses state archives and sits alongside the larger New Town Synagogue.
The building was constructed in 1610 and survived multiple destructions during Cossack invasions, but suffered severe damage from German forces in World War II. The marks of these events shaped the appearance and history of the structure through to today.
The building reflects the thriving Jewish community that made Rzeszów a major center of Jewish life in the late 18th century. The interior spaces still show traces of this past and speak to the diversity that once shaped the city.
The building sits in the Old Town near the market square and is easy to reach on foot. Since it houses state archives, visits are subject to certain conditions and should be arranged in advance.
The interior of the building preserves commemorative plaques that document the fate of Rzeszów's Jewish population during World War II. These plaques tell personal stories and memories that might otherwise be easily forgotten.
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