Sinagoga

via Milano, 7 - 1512x Alessandria (AL)
Tel. +39 011 6508332
E-mail: info@torinoebraica.it
https://torinoebraica.it/turismo/#siti
https://www.comune.alessandria.it/l-ottocento#Ottocento_4

The Synagogue is the heart of the ancient Jewish district. The presence of the Jewish community is documented in the town since the 16th century and has been concentrated in several blocks of the historic centre, characterized by fragmented housing lots of lengthened shape.
The Synagogue of Alessandria was completed between 1867 and 1871 to a design by the architect Giovanni Roveda, it is the result of the transformation of an existing building in the heart of the former ghetto (between what are currently via Migliara, dei Martiri, Vochieri and Milano). Like in many other towns, the Community wanted to celebrate the Emancipation of 1848 by building a new monumental temple, symbol of its integration into the local society.
It is eclectic architecture with neo-Gothic influences, especially in the imposing facade marked by arch windows and crowned by pinnacles.
The interior of the nave, located on the first floor, is inspired by the model of Christian churches, with Tevah and Aron Hakodesh associated in the same space and public seating turned to face them. On the short sides, there are two orders of loggias defined by slender columns:
along the entrance wall is the women's gallery and, around the large niche of Aron Hakodesh, the choir and reed organ.
Following the Nazi devastation in 1944 the furnishings of the Synagogue were destroyed or stolen. After the war, they were replaced with those from the Synagogues dismantled in Nizza Monferrato and Acqui Terme. On the ground floor is a second small synagogue for use on Saturdays and weekdays.
The flooding which hit Alessandria in 1994 also damaged the Synagogue, but with patient and meticulous renovation and redevelopment work it was completed in 2022. Finally, the Synagogue of Alessandria can return to being accessible and, in its beauty and specific nature, represent one of the most important monuments of the centre of Alessandria and of the historical presence of Jews in Piedmont.

It is open to visitors during events and exhibitions, or by appointment:
www.torinoebraica.it/turismo/.