The Classicist-style building of the former synagogue (known as the “Bożnica”) is one of the most important historic sites in Old Fordon and one of the few historic structures that preserve within its walls fragments of Jewish history and remnants of post-German culture. It survived the German occupation: the Nazis turned it into a movie theater, which continued to operate after the war.

Built at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries in the Neoclassical style, the synagogue features a two-part roof; until 1879, when the Evangelical church was erected, it was the tallest building in the town. It had five large windows on the longer walls, plus two on the side wall. In 1950, the synagogue was finally converted entirely into a movie theater, which operated until 1988. At that time, nearly all the windows and one of the front entrances were bricked up; three new exterior doorways were cut through; and inside, the galleries were removed, a vestibule and restrooms were created, and a projection room was set up on the upper floor.

Currently, the building can usually only be viewed from the outside: under Jewish law, it is no longer a synagogue and is used for social and cultural purposes. Efforts are underway to adapt the synagogue for cultural purposes and to establish a Community Center. The building’s facade has been restored, and its austere interiors host numerous events: exhibitions, meetings, festivals, screenings, and concerts. There is a garden/conservatory next to the building, and plans are in place to open a restaurant.

more about Fordon’s attractions

Synagogue (Old Fordon)

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