New Synagogue in Ostrów Wielkopolski

The New Synagogue in Ostrów Wielkopolski, located on Raszkowska Street, is one of the few preserved large-city synagogues in Poland built in the Moorish style. Constructed between 1857 and 1860, it is a valuable example of sacral architecture. Its construction was initiated due to the insufficient size of the previous wooden synagogue. The architect was Moritz Landé, and the project was supported by important community figures, including Józef Aleksander Nasierowski. The synagogue featured an ornately decorated façade with two towers, and its interior was characterized by galleries and the Aron ha-kodesh. A tragic event occurred in the synagogue’s history in 1872, when 19 people died in a panic during prayers on Yom Kippur. World War II brought destruction, but the synagogue survived thanks to its conversion into a warehouse. After the war, it did not serve its original function for many years, and its furnishings disappeared. After 2000, restoration efforts began, and local organizations worked toward its revitalization. In 2006, ownership issues were resolved, and by 2010, an ambitious modernization project was completed. The synagogue is set to become the Center of Three Cultures, hosting cultural events, concerts, and seminars, highlighting its significance as a meeting place that integrates Jewish, Polish, and German cultures. Despite damage, the building retains many interesting architectural details, including stained glass windows and decorative elements that reflect its rich past. The interior was designed to create a harmonious space, with numerous details reminiscent of late 19th-century traditional architecture, further emphasizing its historical and cultural importance.