New Synagogue in Dukla

The New Synagogue in Dukla, built in 1758, is an important element of the Jewish cultural heritage in the region. It was erected on the site of an older synagogue and for many years served as the main place of prayer for the Jewish community in Dukla. The building was characterized by a simple, squat structure, built of broken stone and brick, with an orientation toward the east. Its rectangular plan measured 17 by 12 meters, and the side walls were decorated with three pilasters, between which pairs of tall windows were placed. The synagogue was covered with a hipped roof, and on the western side, there were main doors with a stone portal. Over time, single-story rooms for the women's gallery (ezrat nashim) and an entrance hall were added. The interior featured a distinctive bimah surrounded by pillars and a vault divided into nine sections, giving it a unique appearance. Unfortunately, during World War II, in 1940, the Nazis set fire to the synagogue, causing significant damage. After the war, the building was briefly used as a fuel storage facility, but it now remains in a state of permanent ruin—only the external walls of the main prayer hall and fragments of the interior, including the niche for the Aron ha-kodesh and remnants of the original polychromes, have survived. The condition of the synagogue is not only an example of architectural heritage but also a testament to the tragic history of the Jewish community in Dukla, which suffered the horrors of the Holocaust. The synagogue grounds are fenced off, and despite the destruction, they still serve as a reminder of the remarkable cultural legacy left by Jews in the region. An interesting fact is that the windows of the women's gallery allowed women to participate in the services, while the massive bimah and decorative cornices reflect the artistic value of the temple. The synagogue in Dukla stands as a witness to the history and traditions of Jewish culture, which deserve to be cherished and protected.