Project

Built in 1367, Carpentras Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in France, located in the capital of what was once called the Comtat Venaissin, the area surrounding Avignon in southeastern France.

Built in 1367, Carpentras Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in France, located in the capital of what was once called the Comtat Venaissin, the area surrounding Avignon in southeastern France.

Fleeing persecution in thirteenth-century France, many Jews sought pontifical protection in Carpentras, which was controlled by the Avignon papacy at this time, and established the synagogue shortly thereafter. It was restored in the eighteenth century by the architect Antoine D’Allemand and updated to reflect contemporary baroque décor. A monumental stairway leads through from the ground floor to the first floor, belying the synagogue’s modest façade. On the ground floor, the ritual baths (mikveh) and two bakeries represent some of the building’s oldest retained features, while a separate room devoted to Jerusalem also exists within the main prayer space.