SYNAGOGUE AND JEWISH MUSEUMS

SYNAGOGUE AND JEWISH MUSEUMS
Vicolo Salomone Olper 44
Sundays 10.00am-12.00am/3.00pm-5.00pm
Other days on reservation; closed Saturday.
0142 71807
www.casalebraica.info
The Synagogue, built in 1595, is located in Salomone
Olper alley.
Enlarged and restructured over the years, and enhanced by a careful restoration in 1969, it is now a splendid example of late Piedmont Baroque architecture (1700-1800).
The outside is inconspicuous, because prior to 1848 Jews were forbidden to decorate the facades of their houses of worship.
But as soon as the visitor crosses the threshold, he is amazed by the splendid artworks that have made the Synagogue famous all over the world.
Gilding, stuccos and Hebrew inscriptions testify to long centuries of Jewish presence in Casale.
An inscription on the ceiling reads “This is the gate to Heaven”, while at the far end of the room is the majestic Aron Ha-Kodesh.
The wall inscriptions also recall historic events in the community. Only one is in Italian, commemorating the emancipation of 1848.
One of Europe’s fi nest Jewish art and history museums is housed in the 18th century women’s gallery.
The continuously growing collection contains many precious objects (silver ataroths, rimmonim, tass) and beautifully embroidered paroquets that testify to the spirit of Jewish culture and its integration in everyday life.
The “Sinagoga degli Argenti” has opened a new section of contemporary art “Museo dei Lumi”, exhibiting Hanukkah menorahs created by many famous artists like Topor, Recalcati, Luzzati, Mondino, Arman and Palladino.