Lesko Synagogue
Lesko Synagogue is a synagogue in Lesko, Poland. The synagogue had functioned as a place of worship until World War II.
Lesko Synagogue | |
---|---|
General information | |
Architectural style | Mannerism[1]-early Baroque |
Town or city | Lesko |
Country | Poland |
Construction started | 1626 |
Completed | 1654 |
History
The synagogue was built during the years 1626-1654 by the Sephardic Jewish community of Lesko.[2] By the twentieth century, it was one of six synagogues in the town, and the only one whose building survived the Second World War, although in a very damaged state; the interior was devastated by the German invaders of Poland.[2] For almost two decades after the war, it was neglected. It was renovated from the 1960s onwards.[2]
The building was constructed in the mannerist-early baroque style with characteristic gables decorated with volutes and stone baroque vases.[3] Some of the elements are gothic - buttresses, tower. The facade bears a Hebrew inscription that reads, in translation: He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven." (Genesis 28:17)[4] The interior was adorned in mannerist style with niches, cornices and architraves.[2]
Since the 1980s the synagogue has been used as an art gallery with exhibits by artists of the Bieszczady region.[5]
References
- Andrzej Trzciński (2001). "1-2(7-8)". Zachowane wystroje malarskie bożnic w Polsce (in Polish). Studia Judaica 4. pp. 67–95.
- "Synagogue in Lesko". www.sztetl.org.pl. Archived from the original on 2017-08-28. Retrieved 2017-08-27.
- "Kościoły, cerkwie, synagogi". www.poland.gov.pl (in Polish). Archived from the original on 2009-09-25. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
- "Synagoga". www.pascal.pl (in Polish). Archived from the original on 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
- E. Baranowska (n.d.). "Synagoga w Lesku", Lesko: Biesczadzki Dom Kultury, p. 10.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Synagogue in Lesko. |
- (in Polish) Historia synagogi