The Restoration of Synagogues on the Territory of the Former Hungarian Kingdom, 1960–2022
The Restoration of Synagogues on the Territory of the Former Hungarian Kingdom, 1960–2022

Author(s): Rudolf Klein
Subject(s): Architecture, History of Judaism, History of Art
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Keywords: synagogue restoration; Jewish heritage; monument preservation; Holocaust memory; adaptive reuse; East-Central Europe; historic synagogues; architectural conservation; cultural heritage; former Hungarian Kingdom
Summary/Abstract: The study examines the history, philosophy, and architectural practice of synagogue restoration in the territories of the former Hungarian Kingdom between 1960 and 2022. The author argues that restored synagogues represent a unique dialogue between two historical periods: the era of vibrant Jewish communities and the later period when Jewish presence largely disappeared after the Holocaust. The paper outlines the changing political and cultural attitudes toward Jewish heritage during Communist rule, post-Communist transition, and the period following European Union accession. Special attention is devoted to the destructive impact of totalitarian regimes, which often neglected, altered, or demolished synagogues throughout East-Central Europe. The study presents detailed case studies of restored synagogues in Sopron, Mád, Baja, Győr, Bratislava, Budapest, Lučenec, Žilina, and Subotica, illustrating diverse restoration strategies and adaptive reuses. The restoration of the medieval synagogue in Sopron is highlighted as an innovative example of integrating modern architectural interventions with preserved Gothic remains. The article critically evaluates several restorations, including the synagogue in Mád, where certain reconstructed interior elements are considered historically inaccurate and inconsistent with Jewish liturgical traditions. Many restored synagogues were successfully adapted to new functions such as museums, libraries, concert halls, galleries, and Holocaust memorial centers while partially preserving their sacred character. The study also demonstrates how international cooperation, civil initiatives, state funding, and organizations such as Europa Nostra and the World Monuments Fund contributed significantly to synagogue preservation. The author concludes that synagogue restoration in East-Central Europe not only preserves architectural heritage but also commemorates the cultural memory of Jewish communities that once played a major role in the region’s urban and cultural life.

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