Glockengasse synagogue

The Glockengasse synagogue was built in 1861 in Cologne, Germany by architect Ernst Friedrich Zwirner. The interior of the magnificent Moorish Revival building featured tiers of arches and a high dome, all decorated in brilliantly-colored Mooresque patterns. Light entered through a magnificent keyhole-arched stained-glass window. Outside, the dome was flanked by four decorative minarets, while the coursed stonework gave the effect of horizontal striping.

Fundraising to build the synagogue was led by Abraham Oppenheim whose family founded the Sal. Oppenheim bank. The synagogue was destroyed on kristallnacht. Commemorative medallions issued as part of the fund raising campaign give some idea of the building’s magnificence. [ [http://www.historicalartmedals.com/MEDAL%20WEB%20ENTRIES/BELGIUM-EUROPEAN%20CATHEDRALS/WIENER-SYNAGOGUE%20AT%20COLOGNE-BW656.htm Weiss Collection ] ] The modern Cologne Opera House now occupies the site.

The synagogue has been recreated in virtual form at [ [http://www.marquis-kyle.com.au/sp/000404.htm Virtual German synagogues < Special places < info < Peter Marquis-Kyle ] ] [ [http://www2.kah-bonn.de/ausstellungen/synagogen/0e.htm Art and Exhibition Hall - Exhibitions - Synagogues in Germany - A Virtual Reconstruction ] ]

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