Overview:

Erfurt Synagogue In Germany is a Jewish house of worship located in Erfurt, Germany. Built between 1202 and 1204, it was the oldest synagogue in Germany when it was destroyed during the Kristallnacht in November 1938. While the building was destroyed, the site of the synagogue has been preserved and is now a memorial to the Jewish community of Erfurt. There is a plaque at the site which reads: "Here stood the synagogue, destroyed by the Nazis on November 9/10, 1938." There is also a Jewish museum on the site, which displays artefacts and a multimedia presentation about the Jewish history of Erfurt. The synagogue was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2017. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Germany
Prominent Features:

1. Neo-Romanesque architecture: The Erfurt Synagogue in Germany was built in the late 19th century and is a unique example of Neo-Romanesque architecture. It features an oculus window in the center of the building, with four crenellated turrets and a central cupola crowned by a golden onion dome. 2. Restoration: The Erfurt Synagogue was extensively restored and renovated in 2003-2006, which contributed to its current condition. It was a collaborative effort between the city of Erfurt, the Jewish community, the Hague-based Foundation for Prussian Cultural Heritage, the Technical University of Berlin and other partners. 3. Heritage Site: The Erfurt Synagogue is now a recognized cultural heritage site and listed in the Erfurt Cathedral District. It is also included in the UNESCO-listed fortifications of the city, making it an important part of German history. 4. Open To Visits: The Synagogue is open for visits and tours. Visitors can explore the historical building, where past and present come together. This includes the Great Hall, the Women’s Balcony, the Jewish Museum, and the Kashrut Kitchen. There are also occasional concerts and other events held at the Synagogue. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Germany.

History:

Erfurt Synagogue is located in southwestern Germany and is the oldest synagogue in Central Europe still standing. It was built in 1165 as one of the few medieval places of Jewish worship. The synagogue is a testament to the 800-year history of the Jewish community in Erfurt. In 1520, during the Reformation, the Jewish community of Erfurt was expelled and the synagogue was taken over by the Erfurt town council. The building was used as a storehouse and a granary until 1899, when it was turned into a Protestant chapel. The building was returned to the Jewish Community of Erfurt in 1940, and in 1992, it was opened again as a synagogue. Despite its destruction in the pogrom of 1349, and its subsequent conversion to a temple and a storehouse, the historical integrity and the beauty of the synagogue have been preserved. The Erfurt synagogue is now an important part of the city's cultural heritage and a reminder of the long history of Jewish life in Germany. Visit one of the famous monuments of Germany with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Erfurt Synagogue is one of the oldest surviving synagogues in Europe, first built in the 11th century. 2. It was destroyed in 1349 during a violent anti-Jewish pogrom in the city. 3. Remnants of the original synagogue, such as two sections of a wall, were discovered during archaeological excavations in the 19th century. 4. The synagogue was reconstructed in the late 19th century and has now been extended to include a small modern museum. 5. In 1994, German President Richard von Weizsäcker visited the Erfurt Synagogue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Erfurt’s Jewish community during World War II. 6. In 2004, the Erfurt Synagogue was again at the centre of public attention to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Jewish settlement in the city. 7. It has since been surrounded by an iron fence to protect the building from vandalism. 8. The synagogue is now part of the Jewish Museum of Thuringia, which also includes a Jewish cemetery and a memorial to victims of the Nazi Holocaust. One of the historical monuments of Germany, it tells the story of a bygone era