Dovydas Rosenhauzas and Aleksejus Polozovas designed the Choral Synagogue at 39 Pylimo Street. The congregation dates from 1847, and the building was begun in 1902 and finished in 1903. The style is an eclectic mix of Romanesque Revival and Moorish Revival. It is brick, with two-tone brick forming horizontal lines on the facade. Three arches rise above the entrance, flanked by Moorish-detailed towers.
The article notes it is Orthodox in use but was built in the traditions of a Reform community. It was a synagogue until 1940. Under Soviet rule it was nationalized and used as a metal factory, which caused considerable damage. It was restored in 2010.
It is the only synagogue in Vilnius still in use. A 1923 critic called it an uninspired, international edifice.

Comments