Erfurt Synagogue

The Old Synagogue in Erfurt is a former synagogue and with an age of over 900 years, the oldest synagogue in Europe. It is located in Erfurt's historic courtyard of the block fish market - Michaelisstraße - Libra alley.

Part of the synagogue in 2007 during construction work discovered behind the Krämer bridge, about 750 years old mikvah. In 1998, the Jewish treasure of Erfurt was found in the immediate vicinity of the synagogue. He is one of the most extensive and best preserved treasures of medieval Europe and is exhibited in the synagogue since October 2009. Therefore, the city council of Erfurt aims to have each of the ensemble of the synagogue, mikveh and Treasurer in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

History

A wooden analysis revealed that the oldest parts of the synagogue from the time come around the year 1094. It is a part of the Western Wall. From a second phase of construction in the 12th century comes another part of the western wall. The majority of the building dates from around 1270, as a representative synagogue was built around the same time as the Prague Old-New Synagogue. By 1300, the synagogue was rebuilt again by was increased and a new extension to the north.

1349 took place a devastating pogrom, in which the city's Jews were murdered. After that, the synagogue was used as a warehouse. As part of the building was rebuilt from 1350, including through the installation of false ceilings, through the construction of a new roof and basement of the building. In the north and the east facade doorways were installed. Use as a warehouse remained virtually unchanged over the next 500 years. End of the 19th century, the building was then part of the restaurant converted " to fire ball " and a dance hall. Later in the basement was an additional bowling alley.

Due to the frequent rebuilds the synagogue was no longer recognizable and historically also not known as such, which is why they survived the period of National Socialism without prejudice as such. 1992 showed Bauuntersuchungen that the synagogue of particular cultural and historical value. Shortly before the Treuhandliegenschaftsgesellschaft the building had, however, already sold to an investor who wanted to use it again gastronomically. 1998 bought the city of Erfurt then the Old Synagogue. Since then it has been renovated and opened as the Exhibition on Jewish life in Erfurt on 27 October 2009. In particular, medieval tangible products that reflect the history of the Jewish community of Erfurt, can be visited. A documentary on the construction history of the synagogue light on other aspects of the Jewish community history.

In the Old Synagogue the " Erfurt synagogue evenings " organized by city and Association for the History and Archaeology of Erfurt, with lectures and music are held once a month.

Awards

• 2013: Nike Association of German Architects ( BDA) in the category of symbolism