Synagogue Status quo ante


Synagogues in Trnava video.

A written record regarding the Jewish community’s presence in Trnava appears for the first time in 14th century inscriptions on tombstones that were discovered during the dismantling of the Levočská Gate in 1862. But it is assumed that Jews were present in this important trade centre from an even earlier date. They formed a linguistically and religiously isolated, but vibrant community with its own administrative and judicial powers. In the 16th century, the Jewish community had its own synagogue and mayor. Their rights and obligations towards the majority of the population were stated in a contract with the town.However, in 1539, based on the case of an ambiguous abduction and murder of a child, King Ferdinand I ordered all Jews to be expelled from Trnava forever. This order was repeated in 1686 by Emperor Leopold I. A medieval Jewish ghetto was located somewhere between Pavlínska and Dolnopotočná Streets, but it has disappeared without a trace. “Forever" lasted until 1783, when the Toleration Patent of Joseph II equalized religions. General restrictions limiting the number of Jews in the town, their economic activities, property ownership, and access to education were abolished. The Jewish community in Trnava had grown so much that even Rabbi Shimon Sidon moved there from Cífer in 1855.The Synagogue of religious community status quo ante, designed by the Viennese architect Jacob Gertner, was built between the years 1891 - 1897. This representative building with two towers, standing near the Orthodox synagogue, depicts a typical Jewish sacral architecture combining historical and oriental elements. The building was used in the second half of the 20th century as a warehouse, and was damaged by fire in 1986.Fortunately, fragments of the mural and gallery for women, supported by cast-iron columns were preserved. A memorial in front of the entrance, built after World War II, commemorates Holocaust victims. Since 1994, the synagogue has formed part of the Ján Koniarek Gallery, and serves as centre of contemporary art.

Synagogue Status quo ante
 

Contact

Synagogue Status quo ante
Halenárska 2
917 01 Trnava

GPS:
N 48.378039 / E 17.590007

 
 
 

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