Built in 1642-1648 in the historical center of Slonim, very near to the city market.
The compact brick building looks like a basilica. The main square of volume is covered by a gable roof, which is adjoined by the lower outer buildings. The main facade is completed with a pediment of a complex plastic shape and is decorated with pieces such as double pilasters, niches, and windows.
The annexes at the entrance appeared later. The main hall has a system of vaults inside, four pillars in the center support the “lantern” decorated with a molding. The walls of the building are strong and reliable, hiding a rich and refined interior, impregnated with stucco, ornamentation, and wall drawings.
The Slonim synagogue is a monument of Baroque architecture in which one can recognize architectural and compositional techniques, characteristics of the monumental architecture of Belarus of the 17-18 centuries as well as original decorative interior solutions. In the XVIII century, the synagogue was somewhat rebuilt, luckily some of the original stucco and frescoes have survived.
In the interior, the high-rise bimah is distinguished by massive pillars with archaic bases. The pillars support the “lantern», whose vaults are decorated with stucco, multi-colored floral ornament imitating woven tent. Oriental motifs and baroque features are present in the decorative design of the Aron-Kodesh. They combined with elements of classicism: vases wrapped in ribbons, garlands, cornices with teeth, etc. Cartouche, ending with a royal crown, depicting the tablets of the Law is supported by two lions on both sides.
Current physical condition of the building requires a thorough research work on reconstruction and preservation of historical and cultural value.A fundamental research work was carried out by scientists in the 90s and early 2000s., but painters did not finish examining the layer (possible layers) of the murals.
Detailed description:
1. Main hall with bima and aron-kodesh. The main part of the synagogue (preserved). The existing decor and painting is out of the restoration works at the first stage of the project.
2. A room with a vestibule, originally occupied by a header. Has a separate entrance. A warehouse in the Soviet period . It had a vaulted ceiling decorated with floral polychromy. Currently saved at 5%. The room in particular geometry is of great importance for the closing of museum exhibits.
3. The premises (part of the decoration on the south side) with part of the main entrance to the Synagogue building. In Soviet times was a store with a new organized entrance in the form of an extension. The room has the shape of a rectangle with a size of 19.0mx3.4m. It is possible to accommodate a conference hall or lounge room for 50 people.
4. Room (part of entertainment on the west side) with general access to the entrance to the building. The entrance from the west side is out of use as it borders with a territory of the city market. In Soviet times used as a shop.
5. Premises (east side) in the annex of the shopping arcade, built in the XIXc. There is no connection to the main hall of the synagogue. The volume of the extension hides the facade of the original baroque synagogue building. It has the potential of use as objects of trade, cafes.
6. The volume built in the Soviet period. The room had a separate entrance. The volume of the extension is made with the inclusion of the original facade of the synagogue building in the Baroque style. The shape is currently saved. The masonry of the walls is made of low quality bricks and mainly in the state of the destruction. Further study and discussion is needed. The ruins are suitable for exhibiting the historical periods.
7. The balcony of the main hall (on the west side) on the second level (preserved) had a separate exit ( stairs ) to the first level. There are possibiities to rebuilt the stairs as well as a potential for the museum exhibition placement.
The report of the monitoring of cracks opening on the object , on July 27, 2020 shows that the cracks on the walls have light movement and require additional observation.
