Draft:Vidin Synagogue

The Vidin Synagogue (Видинска синагога, Vidinska sinagoga) is a former Jewish temple in Vidin, Bulgaria. It now serves as the Jules Pascin cultural centrе and is managed by the Danube Municipal Cultural Institute at Vidin Municipality.

It is located near the Baba Vida Castle in the historic center of Vidin. It is in close proximity to the city park and other significant historical and tourist sites. The building is a cultural monument of national importance.

History
The original synagogue in the town was devastated by artillery fire during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878). Within a year, the present temple was erected. The construction was facilitated primarily through donations, with significant contributions from the local Jewish community, which constituted a substantial portion of the Kaleto district's population. Additionally, Jews from various regions across the Principality of Bulgaria also offered their support, aiding in the swift reconstruction of the synagogue.

Officially inaugurated on September 28, 1894, the synagogue's opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Mordechai Grunwald, the Chief Rabbi of Bulgaria. Ranking as the second largest synagogue in the country, surpassed only by the one in Sofia, it was widely regarded as even more aesthetically stunning.

Following a mass exodus of Jews from Bulgaria to Israel in the late 1940s and the imposition of restrictions on religious practices during the communist era, the utilization of the synagogue dramatically declined. From 1950 onwards, the building ceased to serve its original function and instead functioned as a warehouse. Over the years, neglect took its toll, with the roof deteriorating and the walls gradually crumbling.

Architecture
Situated within a trapezoidal plot, the building follows a symmetrical design according to the plan. Its structure resembles that of a three-nave single-apsed basilica, complete with a vestibule, galleries, and four towers. The prayer hall's internal dimensions measure 21 by 10 meters. Modeled after the synagogue in Budapest, it was designed by the renowned architects Ferdinand and Francesco. The altar, adorned in blue, red, and bronze hues, was crafted by Max Werich, a Czech sculptor and educator from Vidin. Wood for the construction was sourced from Transylvania and Hungary, while lamps, chandeliers, and plates were procured from Vienna and other Austrian locales.

The vibrant interior incorporates features of both ancient Jewish and classical architectural styles. Crossed vaults adorn the vestibule, where two marble slabs and two reliefs with Hebrew inscriptions grace the walls. Three naves are divided by a slim arcade supported by columns crafted from cast bronze and iron. These columns boast Asia Minor-style cubic capitals and fluted bodies, adorned with spirals, palmettes, braids, and acanthus leaves. The arches take on a segmental form.

The synagogue floor features a combination of mosaic and wooden boards. Positioned atop a podium within the apse, the altar likely mirrors the architectural style of an ancient Jewish temple, characterized by a central section, two towers, arches, and columns. Above the altar, a symbol representing the Sun is prominently displayed.

The central nave of the prayer hall, renowned for its excellent acoustic properties, is adorned with a cylindrical rib vault, while the side naves and galleries feature cross vaults. These vaults are painted in a soothing blue hue, embellished with bronze 6-pointed stars. The altar, adorned in blue, white, red, and bronze tones, complements the overall color scheme. The interior of the hall evokes a sense of airiness and openness, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the space.

The primary facade features a projecting design with two flanking towers. At its center, the main entrance is vaulted, framed by a semicircular arch supported by columns atop tall pedestals. A round window, shaped like a 6-pointed star, adorns the center of the arcade. Each of the four towers is equipped with pairs of arched windows, embellished with colored glass and intricate decorative grilles.

Condition
Since 1950, the building had lost its main function and had been used as a warehouse, which greatly deteriorated its condition. In the 1970s, a major renovation began with a view to adapting it (due to the good acoustics) for symphonic concerts. The concrete columns constructed during this period helped maintain the structural integrity of the building. For an extended period, the once imposing building remained in extremely poor condition - a pale memory of its glamorous past, in need of a general restoration.

On March 9, 2017, the owner of the synagogue - the Organization of Jews in Bulgaria "Shalom", at a general meeting decided to donate the building to the municipality of Vidin. In 2021, the restoration of the Vidin Synagogue started after the project was financed under the "Regions in Growth" program. The restored Vidin Synagogue was reopened to the public as the Jules Pascin Cultural Centre in September 2023.