Medieval Synagogue

The synagogue, which was dedicated in 1104, was constructed as a Romanesque hall about 34 feet wide and about 57 feet long. Only the east wall of the building remains.


                                                                                                                                                    
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Remains of the walls of the medieval synagogue in the jewish court
© Klaus Venus
Remains of the walls of the medieval synagogue in the jewish court


The same architects worked on both the Cathedral, the synagogue and the mikveh. Christian craftsmen got the assignments, since Jews were not permitted to work at any skilled trades.

Remains of the walls of the medieval synagogue
© Klaus Landry
Remains of the walls of the medieval synagogue

We know very little about how the interior of the synagogue was furnished. From a note in the rabbinical literature, we learn that it had a floor laid with stone plates and glazed windows. Traces of the window frames have been retained on the two windows in the west wall.

The Jewish house of worship was damaged during the pogrom of 1349 and repaired gain in 1354 along with several changes in its construction. After the expulsion of the Jews early in the 16thcentury, it was converted into a municipal armoury before it was finally torn down and the ground there sealed with coarse pavement.