|
Bychawa
First mention of the existence of Bychawa dates from the beginning of the 14th century, though it was not until 1537 that the town received its municipal charter. It was during this period that the city became a well-known and important center for the Reformation movement. For this reason, Calvinists settled here, eventually opening a renowned religious school.
The old synagogue building. Foto: J.J.
The first Jewish settlers appeared in the second half of the 16th century, while an independent Jewish administrative district was created in the 17th century. With time, the Jewish community grew substantially, and by the beginning of the 20th century a majority of the city's inhabitants were Jews. Close ties with cities such as Lublin, Zamosc; and Krasnik allowed Bychawa's citizens to successfully develop both the city�s trade and crafts.
The 17th century wars, and the politics of those who waged them, led to the city's decline, which was capped off when the city lost its charter in 1869.
The most significant reminder of the city's former Jewish presence is the imposing synagogue that was built in 1801 (most likely on the spot where an older wooden one had previously stood). Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a fire at the end of the 19th century. The decision was made to rebuild it, and the work was completed in 1897.
|
The renovations left the synagogue with a rich polychrome bimah and walls. It was built in the traditional Polish style, with nine bays and with four pillars supporting a canopy over the bimah. The building is currently in a woeful state. During the Nazi occupation, it was seriously damaged, and was further damaged after WWII when the synagogue was used variously as a firehouse, warehouse and workshop. Today, there is a motor pool on the synagogue's grounds and a building materials warehouse, though the former house of prayer still makes an impression on those who enter it.
Inside the synagogue. Foto: J.J.
In spite of the general disrepair (e.g. falling plaster, water damage, broken glass, missing windows, the smashed French doors of the main entrance, the make shift scaffolding preventing further destruction, etc.), one can still see traces of the colorful polychrome frescos of animals, flowers, and Hebrew inscriptions, and the richly ornamented friezes below the windows, both of which employ traditional Jewish motifs.
You are welcome to discuss about "Bychawa"
|
mapa miejsc
|
)
)