Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Romania 2018

This abandoned synagogue in a large Romanian city was built during the 1860's in an eclectic Moorish style.

The 19th century was a hard time for the Jewish communities in Romania. Emperor Franz Joseph was sympathetic to the way they were being treated and began granting freedom to them and by 1860 there were no more restrictions on the Jews. This spurred the plans of finally having a synagogue in the city by Rabbi Mauriciu. It was built from 1863-1865 by local developers to the plans designed by Austrian architect Carl Schumann.

Not only was it to be a place of worship but a testament to the strength of the growing Jewish community in Timisoara. The synagogue was built for both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews and incorporated traditional elements from both of these communities.

Before WWii the Jewish community in Timisoara reached around 13,000 residents. For obvious reasons many of them fled the country and emigrated to Israel.

With the reduced numbers, lack of funds and the anti-religious views of the communist rule the synagogue eventually closed in 1985 after serving the community for over 100 years.

Even though the synagogue was closed it was still owned by the Jewish community and in 2001 they allowed the Timisoara Philharmonic Society to use the building. They carried out essential repairs and some renovations so they were able to hold concerts here. The first one was held in 2005 and the following years over 100 various cultural events were held here.

I must give thanks to the members of the Jewish community who granted us access to this beautiful building. We were informed during our visit that renovation work was about to start shortly after our visit which is great news.

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Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: It doesnt seem that big from the outside.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: The vire from the entrance hall.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: There were two tiers of seating.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Any angle holds a stunning view of the place.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: The back had only one tier of seating.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Which really opened up the view.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: View from the upper back row.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Behind the back row was a huge organ.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Top rear seating looking to the organ.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Side view from the back tier.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Large candlesticks were on the top tiers of seating.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: The detailed organ only just fitted.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: View from above the organ.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: The organ has seen better days.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Walkways were behind each tier.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: The candlesticks are more complete this side but one is a bit broken.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Between the main seating.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Looking back from the front.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Trying to fit in as much as possible.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: The whole ceiling.

Sinagoga Din Cetate AKA The Stronghold Synagogue: Looking up at the ceiling and organ.

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