Synagogue in Wiśniew

The synagogue in Wiśniewa is a wooden religious building from the early 20th century, located in the Myślenice district of Lesser Poland and listed in the register of historical monuments. It is one of only three surviving examples of Jewish wooden architecture in Poland. Built on a plot belonging to the Färber family, the synagogue survived World War II, although its interior was devastated by the Nazis. After the war, it served various purposes—as a warehouse, a fire station, and for many years, it remained abandoned. Currently, after partial renovation carried out thanks to the Foundation for the Development of the Macierz Polonii Center, the building is unused, with plans to establish a historical and cultural center. The synagogue has a single-story rectangular structure, with a square prayer hall to the south and a women's section (babiniec) to the north. The men's prayer room retains its original paneling, and the entire building is covered with a gable roof made of wood shingles. The exterior walls are painted in a wood tone, with green carpentry adding to its charm. During renovation, previously painted-over polychromes with floral motifs were also uncovered. The synagogue in Wiśniowa is a testament to the Jewish cultural heritage in Poland and evidence of the region's rich history.