The only synagogue in Wrocław to escape the torches of Kristallnacht, the White Stork was built in 1829, taking its name from the inn that once stood in its place. Following the design of prominent German architect Karl Ferdinand Langhans, it is ironically considered a sterling example of 18th century Protestant sacral art. Discreetly hidden from view in a courtyard between ul. Antoniego and ul. Włodkowica, today the surrounding grounds are full of beer gardens, bohemians and graffiti; however it was here that members of the Jewish community were rounded up for deployment to the death camps during WWII. Badly damaged, but not set ablaze (thanks only to its proximity to residential buildings), the synagogue was literally left to rot after the war, before the Jewish community was finally able to recover it from the Polish government in 1996 and initiate restoration. That work is now complete and the synagogue was re-opened in May, 2010. Serving as a worship space and cultural centre, the community’s cultural programme has use of a new multi-functional hall in the synagogue's basement, and there are two exhibition spaces on the balconies. One houses the permanent exhibition about the History of Jews in Wrocław and Lower Silesia while the second balcony is for temporary exhibitions. Note that the synagogue is open on those Sundays when events are taking place.

Admission 6/3zł.

The White Stork Synagogue comments Add Yours

• barry Willig - Philadelphia 21 January 2012
  Do the Silesian Jews of Wroclaw speak both Polish and German? Is the White Stork Synagogue Reform or Orthodox? Is the jewish community of 1000 growing or declining?