Magan David Synagogue, Romania

Magan David Synagogue is an abandoned religious building in Romania. It was built in the early 1900’s, on the site of an older 19th Century synagogue. It is built in a Moorish-influenced style. Originally this town had two synagogues; the other building was demolished in the 1980’s.

The Moorish-influenced architecture can be seen in the ornate turquoise columns supporting the upper levels, as well as in the club-shape of the top of the window arches.

The synagogue was still in use in the mid-1990’s, by the few remaining members of a once thriving Jewish community. There is no longer a Rabbi, so all religious services have ceased. Dogs now live in the adjacent courtyard, as a deterrent to homeless people setting up residence here.

The synagogue is in a very poor state today The roof has completely collapsed in, as has most of the upper floors. Trees and ferns grow from the ground floor and first level, picking their way through the rubble and rotting roof timber

Curiously the symbol of the Jewish faith, the Star of David (Magan David), defies the surrounding decay. It stands prominently at the far end of the synagogue, carved into stone and painted golden. Above this a yellow star-shaped window mimics this hexagram motif. Traces of the original blue and gold painted can be seen accenting decorative wall carvings. This must have once been a beautiful sacred place.