Synagogue of Trieste

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Synagogue of Trieste
Italian: Tempio Israelitico di Trieste
La Sinagoga - Trieste.jpg
The synagogue façade overlooking Via Donizetti, in 2014
Religion
Affiliation Orthodox Judaism
Rite Italian rite
Ecclesiastical or organisational status Synagogue
StatusActive
Location
LocationVia S. Francesco D'Assisi 19, Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Northern Italy
Country Italy
North Italy relief location map.png
Red pog.svg
Location of the synagogue in Northern Italy
Geographic coordinates 45°39′11″N13°46′49″E / 45.65306°N 13.78028°E / 45.65306; 13.78028
Architecture
Architect(s)
Type Synagogue architecture
Style Romanesque Revival
Groundbreaking1908
Completed1912
Specifications
Dome(s)One
Materials Brick
Website
triestebraica.it (in Italian)
[1]

The Synagogue of Trieste (Italian : Tempio Israelitico di Trieste), also the Great Synagogue of Trieste, is an Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue, that is located at Via S. Francesco D'Assisi 19, Trieste, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in Northern Italy. Designed by Ruggero Berlam and Arduino Berlam in the Romanesque Revival style, the synagogue was completed in 1912. [1]

Contents

History

It was built under Austrian rule, between 1908 and 1912, and bears the hallmark of architects Ruggero and Arduino Berlam. The synagogue was unveiled in 1912 in the presence of municipal officials, and it replaced the four smaller ones (Scholae) that previously existed, from mid 18th century, and which were based on an architectural model quite common in northeastern Italy, with rectangular rooms with rows of pews orientated towards the centre or the eastern side; inside, they were delicately decorated and furnished but showed a humble and anonymous aspect from the outside.

The Great Temple was meant to satisfy the religious need of a growing Community that, in 1938, had almost 6,000 members. For its construction an international contest was organized, but it had no results. The synagogue was closed in 1942 following the instigation of the race laws under the Fascist regime. It was devastated by fascist squads and later, during the Nazi occupation, it was used as a storehouse for works of art and books seized from the Jewish houses. The ritual silvers of the community were preserved from the plunder thanks to a clever hiding place inside the very building. As soon as the war finished the synagogue went back into operation.

Today it is recognised as one of the largest and most important[ clarification needed ] places of worship for Jews in Europe.[ citation needed ]

Architecture

Different architectural styles have successfully blended into this building, whose essence is represented by four powerful marble pillars supporting an imposing central dome.

The style has been described as follows:

The exterior style was said to be late Roman of a type found in fourth-century Syria, and the architects chose it because it brought them close as possible to ancient Jewish architecture. Jews in the Holy Land and throughout the Roman Empire had used Roman forms. Syria was near enough to the Holy Land to incorporate design elements used by Jews. A synagogue in this style could suggest the wide geographic distribution of Jews, both in the Roman Empire and in modern times. It could suggest the proximity of Jews to others within the ancient and the modern Roman (that is, Habsburg) empires. It could suggest the Jews' Middle Eastern origin without making them look too close to Byzantine Christians or to Muslims." [2]

Interior

Front part of Synagogue II.jpg
Sephardic Synagogue.jpg
Front part of the Main Synagogue (left) and the Sephardi Synagogue (right)

The size and structure of the building clearly define it as a synagogue of the emancipation period, in which the main prayer room, with a rectangular floor plan, divides itself into three naves ending with the majestic apse and its vault with golden mosaic. The whole room is orientated towards a monumental aròn with copper doors, surmounted by a pink granite aedicule which sustains the tables of the law with four columns. At its sides, two big menoròt, bronze candelabra with seven branches, leaning on a marble balustrade with wheatsheaf, symbols of the Community of Trieste. On the ceiling, elegant pendants, banded decorations edging the dome with geometrical patterns, trees and stars and other bands on the great arches quoting verses from the book of the Psalms and showing trees of life. Above the aròn, on three sides, the beautiful balcony which used to be the women's gallery and that, nowadays, is not used anymore because of security reasons and the small dimensions of the Community. In this gallery, above the entrance door and under a barrel vault, there is a big organ with pipes framed by stars of David. [3]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 "New (Great) Synagogue in Trieste". Historic Synagogues of Europe. Foundation for Jewish Heritage and the Center for Jewish Art at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. n.d. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  2. Krinsky, Carole Herselle. "Synagogues of Europe". p. 372.
  3. "Synagogue of Trieste". Visit Jewish Italy. Fondazione per i Beni Culturali Ebraici in Italia. 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2024.

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