Synagogue d'Avignon — Attraction in Avignon

Sign outside reads:

The sign reads….

City History - Synagogue

The former Jewish quarter was located northwest of the current Place du Palais. In 1221, the Jewish community was relocated to the parish of Saint-Pierre, around what is now Place Jérusalem. This “carrière,” a term given to Jewish quarters in the Comtat Venaissin region, was closed off by three gates, of which only the Calandre gate remains. The inhabitants enjoyed the protection of the Pope. After the Revolution abolished these quarters, most of the houses were destroyed in the 19th century. The synagogue, known as the “escole,” included the temple and rooms necessary for community life: meetings, marriages, butcher shop, bakery, etc.

Rebuilt between 1765 and 1767 by Franque and lavishly decorated, it was completely destroyed by fire in 1845. It was immediately reconstructed by the municipality under the plans of the architect J.-A. Jeoffroy, who, unexpectedly, designed a neoclassical rotunda covered with a...

This is one of the oldest, continually active synagogue in France. A unique feature is the interior domed roof. We were lucky enough to participate during Simcha Torah. It is an orthodox temple so women sit in the balcony. Beautiful house of worship and...

Lovely Synagogue to visit. To gain access you have to ring the buzzer on the small door to the right of the large Synagogue doors. Fascinating history of the Papal Jews and the Synagogue itself. Well...