Split Synagogue

Interior, June 2009
Split Synagogue.
Housed in two medieval homes in the historic center, Split Synagogue remains one of the oldest Sephardic synagogues still in use.
Location
Split, Croatia

Revival in Activities

Having been severely damaged during the Second World War, with much of the Jewish community migrating to Israel in the following years, Split’s synagogue and Jewish community have seen a revival in activities since Croatia gained its independence. Split is the centerpiece of a collection of important places that recognize Split’s Jewish past, including the historic Jewish cemetery on the Marjan hill; Morpurgo, one of the oldest operating bookstores in Europe, which was established by an important Jewish family; and the streets of the former Jewish ghetto, where one can see a collection of voids in doorways that once held Mezuzzot.

Conservation

Due to exterior damage, water had seeped into Split Synagogue’s structure and had caused plaster deterioration within the interior sanctuary space. With support and guidance from WMF’s Jewish Heritage Program, a conservation project during 2014 addressed the south and north facades, repairing damages to the masonry, repointing the mortar joints, and the overall cleaning of the facades. Wooden shutters that were significantly deteriorated were replaced, while those still in good condition were repainted for protection. New copper rainwater gutters, downspouts, and drip edges were installed to protect the building from water seepage.

During the project, the team uncovered a fragment of a Roman stele with part of its inscription still intact, as well as fragments of marble door jambs of an early medieval building that that were used as window surrounds on the third story of the synagogue’s north façade.

Installing a new copper gutter on the southern side of the roof , 2014
Installing a new copper gutter on the southern side of the roof, 2014.
Installing a new copper gutter on the southern side of the roof , 2014
Installing a new copper gutter on the southern side of the roof, 2014.

Exhibition

In 2016 and 2017, WMF worked with representatives of the synagogue to develop an on-site and online exhibition for Split Synagogue, to interpret the history of the synagogue and the Jewish community it has served over the centuries. The exhibition Jews in Split exists as an educational tool for Split’s local community and visitors.

The restored roof and chimney adjacent to the synagogue, 2014
Split Synagogue.
The restored roof and chimney adjacent to the synagogue, 2014
Split Synagogue.
Cleaning the window with its medieval decoration, 2014

Resources

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