Zholkivska Defensive Synagogue, Zhovkva, Ukraine

Zhovkva Synagogue is a monument of architecture, history, and culture in the city of Zhovkva (Lviv region, Ukraine). It is one of the largest synagogues in Europe. It is located on Zaporozhskaya Street.

The first synagogue on this site was built of wood in 1625, but it soon burned down. In 1635, the second owner of Zhovkva, Stanislav Danilovich, gave permission to build a stone synagogue. The new synagogue began construction only in 1692 with the support of King Jan III Sobieski, the third owner of Zhovkva, possibly under the direction of the royal architect Petro Beber. Construction was completed in 1698.

In the 18th century, the western part and buttresses were added to the synagogue. After a fire in 1833, the partially damaged synagogue was restored.

In 1908, the interior was painted. In 1935, the building was renovated, and in 1936–1937 it was plastered.

During the German occupation in June 1941, the synagogue was blown up, which destroyed the ceilings and interior. In 1955–1956, it was partially restored and used as a warehouse until the early 1990s.

The building is one of the largest defensive structures in Europe in the Renaissance style; the late Renaissance style is complemented by Baroque elements. The synagogue was adjacent to the city walls and the Jewish Gate, and due to its thick walls with loopholes, it could be used as a tower of the city fortifications, with artillery able to be placed on its roof.

The synagogue was built of stone and brick. The main hall’s volume is square in plan.

In the center, four round pillars support cross vaults, dividing the hall space into 9 bays. The interior preserves fragments of a frieze, polychrome wall paintings, and inscriptions that recreate Torah texts. On the eastern wall is the preserved Baroque framing of the altar niche. On the western side, a two-story gallery with three doors adjoins the main volume.

Zhovkva Synagogue is a pilgrimage site for many believers from different countries around the world. It is well known far beyond Ukraine and is listed by the New York World Monuments Fund. Restoration of this cultural, historical, and architectural monument began back in 2000, and restoration work on the building continues to this day. In the future, a Jewish Center of Galicia is planned to open within the synagogue walls.

Zhovkva Defensive Synagogue is known worldwide. It is included in the New York World Monuments Fund list of "100 Monuments of the World at Risk," which led to restoration beginning in 2000; however, the building still remains in an unsightly condition. In the future, the Jewish Center of Galicia is expected to open here. Zhovkva Synagogue is also known for its imitations; in particular, "Zhovkva-type" synagogues exist in Tel Aviv.

Sources:

https://ua.igotoworld.com/ru/poi_object/13844_zholkovskaya-sinagoga.htm

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhovkva_Synagogue

https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/ruwiki/380493