Synagogue in Wielkie Oczy

The synagogue in Wielkie Oczy, built in 1910, is a significant symbol of the local Jewish community, whose roots date back to before the 18th century, when Jews made up over one-third of the village's population. Initially, the synagogue stood until 1915, but its destruction during World War I led to its reconstruction, initiated by the Jewish community and designed by architect Jan Sas-Zubrzycki, who created the plans for the new synagogue in 1917. It was completed in 1927, thanks to the support of emigrants from Wielkie Oczy. World War II brought a tragic end to the local Jewish community, but the synagogue itself survived. After the war, it was repurposed for various uses, which led to the loss of its valuable interior furnishings. In the 1990s, the building stood abandoned until efforts were made in 1999 to secure the roof. Through the cooperation of local organizations and descendants of Jewish residents, the synagogue was renovated and transformed into a public library in 2011. Architecturally, the building, designed on a rectangular plan (20x16 meters), features double-winged doors at the front and windows shaped like the Star of David. The roof is hipped and covered with sheet metal, and the interior, though stripped of its original furnishings, retains some decorative elements, such as paneled wall decorations and a commemorative plaque honoring its founders. The synagogue is planned to be part of the Hasidic Trail, adding further cultural and historical significance to the region.