Biella Synagogue
Orthodox synagogue in Biella, Italy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Biella Synagogue (Italian: Sinagoga di Biella) is a Jewish congregation and synagogue, that is located at Vicolo del Bellone 3, in Biella, Piedmont, Italy. The synagogue was completed in 1780.[1]
| Biella Synagogue | |
|---|---|
Italian: Sinagoga di Biella | |
 The synagogue, in [YYYY] | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Rite | Italian rite |
| Synagogue | |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Vicolo del Bellone 3, Biella, Piedmont |
| Country | Italy |
  Location of the synagogue in Piedmont | |
| Coordinates | 45°33′56″N 8°02′42″E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Synagogue architecture |
| Style | Baroque |
| Completed | 1780 |
| Materials | Stone |
| [1] | |
History
The synagogue occupies the top floor of a medieval house at Vicolo del Bellone 3, in the heart of the historic Jewish quarter. It is a modestly sized, rectangular room with Baroque decoration, a central bimah and an ornate, seventeenth century, baroque Torah Ark.[2]
The synagogue possesses the oldest known Torah scroll still in use which dates to the 13th century.[3]
In 2009 a 350,000 euro restoration, overseen by the Jewish community in Vercelli and funded from the Piedmont Region and by donations from a number of sources, including a local bank, completed the repair of the roof, and restoration of the Torah Ark, women's gallery and interior. Further restoration work is planned.[2]
The Biella Synagogue is one of about sixteen that survive in Piedmont, including the Synagogue of Casale Monferrato and the Vercelli Synagogue.[2]
