The first synagogue in Livorno was built around 1606 between the Cathedral and the Fosso Reale, then enlarged and embellished in various stages until 1789.
The temple suffered heavy damages during the last war, so the jewish community of Livorno decided to build a new synagogue rather than restore the old one.
The new synagogue was built in 1962 in the same place, in a square now named after Elijah Benamozegh. The jewish architect Angelo Di Castro (blacklisted under the fascist racial laws) designed a tentlike building, following the outlines of the original Tabernacle.
Elio Toaff, Chief Rabbi of Rome for fifty years, was born in Livorno in 1915 and is probably the most famous son of this community in recent times.See also: Inside the Synagogue - Moses Montefiore
Search labels: synagogue
22 comments:
The shape is futuristic, but eyecatching. By the way, have You a dog? I saw the hour of posting, and I thought You were awake at that hour due a pet :).
Richard, this the real reason why I do not have a dog. Posts are scheduled, I am not an early riser...
Oh, when I saw the synagogue I remembered that Amedeo Modigliani was born in Livorno. In 2004 I attended an exhibition of some of Modigliani’s works and was mightily impressed, especially with his sculpture. There was something timeless or eternal; universal about his sculpture.
I liked the way you showed both the modern synagogue and the historical war-damaged one in your posting.
Designed after the tent of the tabernacle — I really like that. Very unusual architecture.
Wow! I'm impressed. Modern and striking. Would love to see the inside!
Interesting building, however I'm not very keen on this kind of architecture.
BTW, you can always teach your dog to wait until you wake up - it's what I've done:)
Such an informative post. Thank you.
Beautiful building. Quite a contrast with those around it.
Now I like modern architecture like that one. It's striking but somehow blends in really well.
That's a strange sight, but I do like this one. Would like to see the inside, but I know it might not be easy to get access. Very good post!
So cool. Unbelievable design.
Remarkable architecture. Are those windows or ornaments, sort of scattered across the walls?
I like the third shot best, interesting to enlarge for those who haven't already done so.
That's a bit different. And I like the architecture.
Very cool! I like it alot.
Very informative! This place is beautiful and I liked a lot!
Léia
The first time I see a synagogue closer. I like the backside exterior better than the front side. It's beautiful, but I don't see a Star of David.
Not my favorite period for architecture. I do like the back side - must look interesting on the inside.
I'm reading Primo Levi's biography (Tragedy of an Optimist) along with Umberto Eco's (the Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana) - interesting personal perspectives.
What a beautiful synagogue
Beautiful and so original! I haven't seen such thing yet!
Do you have pictures of the old one?
Still as remarkable as when I saw your post half a year ago. Reminds me, I'd like to take a closer look at our synagogue as well.
An all-together wonderful post! Thank you, VP!
Post a Comment