Synagogue d'Avignon description and photos - France: Avignon (Topic)

Synagogue d'Avignon description and photos - Avignon France. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Synagogue d'Avignon.

Photo and description

The building of the synagogue in Avignon has survived to this day in the reconstruction of 1846. The synagogue had to be restored after the fire of 1845, in which many valuable items were lost, including 42 Torah scrolls.

The synagogue has stood at its current location in Avignon since 1221, where it was moved by order of the city's bishop. In the second half of the 18th century, a new building was built for it (the one that was later destroyed by fire). After reconstruction, the synagogue acquired a neoclassical appearance.

The first written mention of Avignon Jews dates back to 1178. Under Louis XIII, a new Jewish quarter appeared in the city. Until the middle of the 15th century, the Christian population believed that the Jews make a great contribution to the trade and economic development of the city and therefore even demanded a more lenient attitude towards them. However, in the second half of the century, the opinion of the townspeople regarding the Jews changed: the Italian wars and the move of the papal residence to Rome, as well as the plague epidemic, changed the life of the Avignon people for the worse, and now they believed that all these troubles were brought on by the Jews. By the decree of Pope Pius II, a number of restrictions on trade and some other activities were introduced for Jews. The persecution continued until the Jews were expelled from the papal possessions in Italy and France. Christians were also banned from communicating with Jews. Only at the end of the 18th century were few Jews allowed to settle in Avignon. Their activities were limited to the confines of the Jewish quarter, the study of the Talmud was prohibited, and Catholic priests delivered sermons in the synagogue. The Great French Revolution of 1789 made Jews equal in rights with the rest of the country's citizens.

Memorial plaques have been erected in the synagogue in memory of those Avignon Jews who died during the First and Second World Wars.

In addition to the synagogue, Avignon also hosts several Jewish public organizations and educational institutions .

We also recommend reading Museum of weapons Luigi Marzoli (Museo delle Armi) description and photos - Italy: Brescia

Topic: Synagogue d'Avignon description and photos - France: Avignon.