Synagogue

The Synagogue was opened in 1912; planned by the architects Berlam, it is a square building adorned with oriental-style decorations on mullioned windows, columns and carvings. The principal façade has a high rose window (repeated on the other two façades) dominating a majestic portal decorated with floral friezes. This portal is opened on special occasions only. 

The interior of the Temple has an oriental flavour, is full of light and decorated with golden mosaics and floral friezes which emphasize, together with the star-spangled dome, the Holy Ark where the Torah scrolls are kept.

In all synagogues the central axis leads from west to east and the Aron that is the Holy Ark must look  towards east, towards Jerusalem.

In 1942 the Synagogue was ravaged and, during the Nazi occupation, used as storage facility for books and works of art; it reopens for religious functions in 1945.
When entering the Synagogue men are required to wear the kippah, the traditional skullcap which is kept in a basket at the entrance. This obligation is a sign of humility and submission towards God.

Today the kippah is worn by male Jews when entering a place of worship. Women are not required to do so because they are considered spiritually closer to God.