The Nożyk Synagogue, located at 6 Twarda Street in Warsaw, is undergoing another phase of renovation. After the general renovation of the roof completed last year, the time has come for the building’s façade, which has long been in need of repair. Damaged plaster, cracks and dampness had made the front façade dangerous for passers-by.
Work is currently underway to repair and restore the stucco details, as well as to refresh the original colour scheme of the façade. The renovation also includes the repair of the entrance staircase and metalwork elements. The work, which is expected to be completed in autumn, is partly financed by the City of Warsaw, which has earmarked nearly PLN 370,000 for the purpose.
The building before the works started. Photo: Capital City Monument Conservator
History of the Nożyk synagogue
The Nożyk Synagogue is the only pre-war working synagogue in Warsaw. It was built between 1898 and 1902 on the initiative of Zalman Nożyk, a Warsaw merchant who funded the construction of this unique place of worship. The building, probably designed by Leandro Marconi, is an example of Neo-Romanesque architecture with Byzantine and Moorish elements. Seating around 600 people, the synagogue was intended for the Orthodox community.
The synagogue in 1944 and 2022. Photo by USHMM, photographer George Kadish Zvi Kadushin and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
During World War II, the building was devastated by the Germans and later used as stables and a warehouse. Although the synagogue suffered significant damage during the Warsaw Uprising, its structure remained intact. After the war, the building was secured and partially restored. Between 1977 and 1983, a major renovation was carried out, which restored the synagogue to its original appearance. A new section was also added at that time.
The synagogue building at the end of the 1970s and in 2022. Photo: “Spotkania z Zabytkami” No. 3-4 (21-22) 1985 and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
Today, the Nożyk synagogue serves not only as a place of prayer, but also serves as a centre of Jewish culture, hosting numerous events such as exhibitions, concerts and meetings. Despite the anti-Semitic incidents that took place in the 1990s and at the beginning of the 21st century, the building remains an important monument of Warsaw and a witness to its history, listed in the register of monuments.
Source: Warsaw City Hall
Read also: Warsaw | Monument | Architecture
