Synagogue
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The Synagogue in Split is one of the oldest synagogues in Croatia and Southeast Europe that is still in operation, and its historical and cultural features make it an important monument of Jewish and Split heritage. It was built in the 16th century by adapting medieval houses on the site of the then Jewish ghetto, in the Jewish Passage, right next to the western wall of Diocletian's Palace. Although it is often considered the oldest synagogue in continental Croatia, it is actually the oldest active synagogue in Croatia after Dubrovnik and one of the oldest active in Europe, while the oldest synagogue in Central Europe is in Prague. The Jewish community in Split has a very long tradition that dates back to late antiquity, although it experienced significant development in the 16th century when, after being expelled from Spain and Portugal, numerous Sephardic families found refuge in Dalmatia. At that time, the community grew to several hundred members, and the geographical center of its life was the northwestern part of Diocletian's Palace, known as the Geth. The synagogue has a modest exterior, reflecting the position of Jews in society at the time and the need for discreet use of space, while the interior is distinguished by details resulting from modifications in the 18th century, such as decorated walls and a wooden ceiling. A special feature of the Split synagogue is the Aron Hakodesh, a sacred niche for Torah scrolls, which is carved directly into the ancient rampart of the palace, oriented towards Jerusalem and made of black and white marble. During World War II and the Holocaust, the community was severely affected, the synagogue was devastated, and sacred objects were destroyed. However, after the war, it was rebuilt and reopened for religious life in 1948. Today, there is a small but vibrant Jewish community in Split, which continues to use the synagogue for religious ceremonies, cultural programs, workshops and exhibitions dedicated to Jewish heritage. The synagogue has also become a significant tourist attraction, and visitors often visit the Jewish Museum of Split, located on the same street, where a valuable collection of historical documents, books and objects is kept. An additional treasure trove of Split's Jewish history is the old Jewish cemetery on Marjan, founded in 1573, which is one of the oldest preserved of its kind in the world. Traces of the places where mezuzahs once stood can still be seen in the stone doorposts of some houses in the old city center, while among the famous members of the community was Daniel Rodrigo, a Sephardic merchant and benefactor during whose time Split experienced an economic boom. Despite all the historical adversity and tragic losses, the Split synagogue managed to maintain its function and became a proud witness to the Jewish presence in this part of the Mediterranean.