Synagogue in Volpa (1929 - 1941) by Katarzyna Prokopiuk [OBJ]

The synagogue in Volpa was probably built in the first half of the 18th century, in what is now Belarus. The author of the project is unknown. It underwent several renovations, mainly of the roof and aron ha-kodesh, between 1903 and 1936, and was declared a cultural monument in 1929. It was destroyed by the Germans in June 1941 or December 1942. The layout of the synagogue is strictly symmetrical - on the western wall this was particularly emphasised by the two-storey alcoves. The impressive octagonal vault gives the intended effect of perspective correction. It makes the main hall appear higher than it actually is. The vault is divided by galleries and balustrades into storeys, differentiated by their cross-sectional profile. The synagogue was built in a wooden structure, with the interior of the Main Hall decorated with polychrome. The synagogue in Volpa is one of the most outstanding works of Baroque wooden architecture. In 2015, it was faithfully reconstructed on the basis of inventory drawings in the town of Biłgoraj (Lubelskie Voivodeship). This reconstruction is mostly based on the book by Maria and Kazimierz Piechotka 'Bramy Nieba. Wooden synagogues on the lands of the former Republic of Poland".