Tempio Israelitico di Trieste (Synagogue of Trieste), Trieste

During the Austrian regime in Trieste, between 1908 and 1912, architect Ruggero Berlam and his son, Arduino, designed the massive Synagogue of Trieste. Unveiled in 1912, the Synagogue replaced four smaller 18th-century synagogues called "Scholae."

The architectural style was common in Northeastern Italy. Size and structure indicate a synagogue of the so-called "emancipation period." A rectangular prayer room has three naves and a magnificent apse with golden mosaics.

The focus is on the Aron Kodesh, an altar cabinet with copper doors storing the Torah scrolls. A pink granite aedicule (a small structure used as a shrine) protects the Tables of the Law with four columns. The aedicule is flanked by two large menorahs (candelabras with seven branches). The menorah is leaning on a marble balustrade with a sheaf of wheat, symbolizing the Jewish community of Trieste.

On the ceiling, ornate pendants edge the dome in floral designs and geometrical patterns. Above the Aron, on three sides, is the women's balcony, no longer used. In the gallery, under the barrel vault, is an impressive pipe organ with pipes set off with stars of David.

The exterior style is Romanesque, found in 4th-century Syria. The architects Ruggero and Arduino Berlam felt it was closer to ancient Jewish architecture. It could represent the Middle Eastern Jewish origins without being too Byzantine or Muslim.

During the Fascist regime, the temple was used to store artworks stolen from Jewish homes. The ritual silvers of the Jewish Community have been saved by hiding them within the temple. At the end of the war, the Synagogue went back into operation. Today it is one of the largest and most important places of worship for Jews in Europe.