Garbarska Synagogue in Szydłowiec

The Garbarska Synagogue in Szydłowiec, located at 3 Garbarska Street, was built in 1730 for Jewish workers employed at the local tannery and for the Ajzenberg family, its owners. The building represents the Baroque-Classicist style and was constructed on a rectangular plan. Unfortunately, during World War II, the synagogue was devastated by the Nazis and remained abandoned for many years after the war. In later years, it served as a community center for the "ASCO" tannery cooperative and as a conference hall, and currently houses a catering establishment. Of the original architectural elements, only the front wall and a neglected porch have survived, partially featuring paintings depicting a wine bottle, a fruit platter, the Star of David, and an illegible Hebrew inscription. The building underwent a thorough renovation, significantly altering its original appearance. The synagogue symbolizes not only the local history of the Jewish community but also their significant contribution to the socio-economic life of the region. Today, despite the loss of many original elements, it remains a witness to the turbulent history of this place and has become a center of cultural life for the local community. It is also worth mentioning that the paintings on the porch, despite their neglected state, attract attention and serve as an interesting reference point for those interested in Jewish culture.