The Renaissance synagogue in the Old Town of Zamość is one of the most spectacular monuments of Jewish heritage in Poland. The Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage has been the owner of the building since 2005.

Due to several years of neglect the synagogue was in a very bad technical condition upon its takeover by the Foundation. We immediately proceeded to secure the edifice and carry out crucial renovations. We then developed a revitalization scheme and launched efforts to acquire the necessary funding.

In 2008, the project 'Revitalization of the Renaissance synagogue in Zamość for the needs of the Chassidic Route and the local community' received support from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. In 2009–2010, the Foundation carried out construction and conservation works on the site, restoring the building to its original appearance and securing it for centuries to come.

In 2011, the 'Synagogue' Center, created to serve the needs of Jewish visitors to Zamość as well as those of its inhabitants, was opened within the renovated building. It currently comprises the Chassidic Route tourist and cultural information center as well as the Multimedia Museum of the History of the Jews of Zamość and the Surrounding Area. Thanks to the existence of the Center visitors can learn about the history of the Jewish community which over several centuries took part in shaping the region’s intellectual, religious and cultural identity. Part of the building has also been adapted for the needs of local NGOs active in the area of culture.

The 'Synagogue' Center also serves as a venue for educational activities and cultural events involving the Foundation’s local partners: the Zamość Gallery, the Bernardo Morando Fine Arts High School, the Karol Namysłowski Symphonic Orchestra and the Zamość University of Management and Administration. The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin and the Jewish Community of Trondheim are also involved in the Center’s activities.

Within the framework of the project 'Revitalization of the Renaissance synagogue in Zamość for the needs of the Chassidic Route and the local community' the Foundation also implemented the activity 'Restoration of the synagogue complex in Krasnik – phase I (protective works from further decay)'. Works on the site were carried out in 2010. For more information about the revitalization of the Krasnik synagogue complex please visit www.krasnik.fodz.pl 

We invite you to visit the 'Synagogue' Center!