Synagogue, Avignon

The Synagogue in Avignon is a striking example of neo-Classical architecture, dating back to 1846. Designed by architect J.A. Jeoffroy, this structure replaced an earlier synagogue destroyed by fire and marks a clear departure from the vibrant, ornate styles of its predecessors. Characterized by its domed rotunda and an interior featuring a two-story colonnade, the synagogue embraces a subdued aesthetic with staid walnut fixtures and stark white Ionic and Corinthian columns.

Jewish history in Avignon traces back to at least the 2nd century CE, but the Jewish presence became particularly significant in the 13th century with the establishment of a ghetto. The first synagogue on this site opened in 1221, serving as a gathering place for the Jewish community, who enjoyed relative protection and respect under the auspices of successive popes. Despite this protection, periods of hardship were not uncommon, particularly during the Inquisition and times of pestilence and conflict, when Jews were often scapegoated and subjected to persecution and heavy taxes.

The synagogue underwent a significant rebuild in 1767 by architect Franque, who employed the ornate stylistic tendencies of the time. However, with the French Revolution, Jewish life in Avignon, like much of France, changed dramatically, with the ghetto's dissolution and the reshaping of the Jewish quarter.

The synagogue's congregation, historically Sephardic, followed the Comtadin liturgy, a regional variant with Portuguese influences but notable deviations, such as the omission of the Alenu prayer. Today, the synagogue is occasionally used by the small Jewish community of about 40 families in Avignon. Its plain exterior contrasts sharply with its historical significance and the intricate story of Avignon's Jewish heritage.