Synagogue
The Great Synagogue - Velká Synagoga
Velká Synagoga circa 1900
From a postcard
Velká Synagoga in the 1950s
Photograph © Copyright George Krejci
Velká Synagoga in 1991
Photograph © Copyright 1991 Clive Porter
I took this photograph in 1991. The photograph seems to tell a very sad story. The sheer size of the building seems to suggest that the Jewish community in Plzeň once made up an important part of the population - it’s the third biggest synagogue in the world. I don’t think there’s any need to mention why or how this changed: I think anybody reading this will be well aware of what happened during the second world war.
Apart from the building’s obvious emptiness and lack of use, the absence of the six pointed star in the photograph is a harsh reminder.
Velká Synagoga circa 2000
Copyright information unknown
The synagogue is now beautifully restored and bears its star once more.
Pětatřicátníků Sady 11
30124 Plzeň
Czech Republic
Tel: +420 602 441 943
karin karapetyan said,
June 22, 2006 at 9:31 am
very interesting and beautiful pictures
older pictires are nicer
Scott MacLeod said,
December 10, 2007 at 12:38 am
I also remember Franta taking me here, though probably not in 1990. Maybe in 91, but more likely in 1995 or 96. The interior was grey & gutted. I thought it was beautiful in its way, but I have a particular aesthetic. I am glad that the restoration plans were successful.