The Great Choral Synagogue, or the Main Synagogue, is a unique architectural monument, one of the largest synagogues in Europe. Its history dates back to the 16th century.

 The first stone synagogue in Hrodna was built in 1575–1580 by the Italian architect Santi Gucci. He was invited by the Hrodna rabbi Mordechai Yaffe. However, in 1617 the synagogue burned down along with the entire Jewish quarter. King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania Žyhimont III allowed the Jews of Hrodna to build a new stone church. It was built in the first half of the 17th century. In 1899, another fire broke out in the Jewish quarter, which severely damaged the synagogue building. At the beginning of the 20th century, the synagogue was restored in the Art Nouveau style with elements of the Moorish style.

The Great Choral Synagogue was closed in 1940 due to the Soviet anti-religious policy. A cooperative technical school was opened in the building. With the beginning of the German occupation, the synagogue building was plundered by the Nazis and began to be used to gather Jews before sending them to a concentration camp or executions.

In the post-war period, the local authorities did not care about the synagogue building. It was not repaired and was used as a warehouse for a food processing plant, and then for art workshops. In 1991, the historic building was transferred to local Jews. The Jewish community of Hrodna has completely restored the synagogue. Today the Great Choral Synagogue is a functioning temple. There is the Museum of the History of the Jews of Hrodna Region within its walls.

Publication date: 19.08.2020.

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