neological synagogue Synagogue

Trenčianska synagogue, situated in the northern corner of the square of Ľudovít Štúr, is a historic building with Byzantine and Maursko-oriental elements. It was built in 1913 according to the project of Berlin architect, Piestany native Dr. Ing. arch. Richard Scheibner. The project was carried out by the Trenčín construction company Fuchs and Niegreisz. Building plans of April and May 1912 are now stored in the State District Archive in Trenčín.

The central building on the square floor plan has standard architectural equipment usual for synagogues of the time, but used with restraint. Its architecture has gained coherence. In some places, the historic decoration is completely receding - for example, on a six - part window in the middle of the main front shield. The central space is also based on the simplicity of the main arches, the simple rhythm of windows in the foot of the main arch and the illumination of the interior with large windows.

Facades are composed with emphasis on the frontal northern and lateral western view, as from other sides the synagogue is part of the older building. Both visible façades repeat the motive of double towers with shield facade. On the main facade, the main entrance is situated below the semicircular arch at the bottom of the interves space, which on the side facade replaces the arcade corridor. Three towers with stairs leading to the emporas end small dome, which together with the central dome inspire the Byzantine dome temples.

The Trenčín synagogue can be seen as the culmination of traditionalism, but in a modernist spirit. Postsecession ideas have affected certain artistic elements and forms of openings that no longer have anything to do with history. Grills, railings, window and door fillings or decorative solutions of water collectors, similar lamps are close to the Viennese Art Nouveau and modern, which even to the smallest detail brought new forms previously unused.

The synagogue was inaugurated and sanctified on Tuesday, September 23, 1913. During the period of I. Czechoslovakia, the Jewish community had almost 2 000 members, so the construction of the new synagogue was already justified. The synagogue was used by the Jewish population until World War II. In 1941 it was desecrated and damaged by members of the Trenčín Nazi organization Freiwillige Schutzstaffel and Hlinka Guard, and its interior was destroyed.

The first general correction took place between 1945 and 1948. When the synagogue took possession of the state, since 1951 it has been used as a storeroom for clothing, and only a prayer hall in the former chancellor's room served for religious purposes. During this period there was a serious static disturbance of the object.

This Art Nouveau building attracted the interest of both professional and general public, therefore, in the years 1974-1984 a further major renovation took place. The aim of this renovation was a complex revitalization, which would ensure, above all, the proper use and maintenance of the object of the former synagogue. In the proposed project to establish a large city cultural and social centre, the theatre was also planned, which included Renaissance burgher houses on the eastern side of the building, on the Mierovo Square no. p. 3 and 5. This difficult project was ultimately not implemented because the proposed use was oversized. The synagogue was finally restored as an exhibition hall, the sound characteristics of the interior provide a suitable environment and concert events, and it is still used for this purpose. In 1990, a small prayer room was restored at the back of the building, where only a few Jewish believers meet occasionally today.

The Trenčín synagogue is now used as an exhibition hall and concert hall. Its acoustic properties provide an appropriate environment and concert events. In 1990, a small prayer room was restored at the back of the building, where only a few Jewish believers meet occasionally today.