Tempio Israelitico

This synagogue was founded as an Israelite temple on the 27th June 1912. It was built by Ruggero and Arduino Berlam who were well known architects in Trieste at the time. Today it is recognised as one of the largest and most important place of worship for Jews in Europe. The community began to grow in Trieste in the fourteenth century and it had grown substantially after the proclamation by the Austro Hungarian emperor that Trieste was to become a free port. They were forced to live a ghetto until 1785. This law was then abolished by Joseph II, the emperor of Austria. This situation allowed the possibility of a place of worship and an international competition was organised for the design, in which some forty two people competed. Berlam won the competition and he began the synagogue's construction in 1908. The synagogue faces onto Piazza Giotti, between the city centre's chaotic Via Battisti and Via Carducci. The entrance faces onto the narrow Via Francesco.(This is necessary so that it faces towards Jerusalem). It's an impressive building and it has a massive facade which is full of stylistic references to the east and to fourth century Syria. Inside, it is bare and solemn. The objects needed for services are kept inside the holy ark (crowns, tass and rimmonim.) Some of these date back to the eighteenth century. The synagogue was closed in 1942 following the instigation of the Race laws under the Fascist regime. As soon as the war finished the synagogue went back into operation. It is only possible to visit the synagogue on Thursdays.

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• Attraction Type: Religious Buildings

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