Synagogues In Corfu

Local Synagogues

Learn more about the synagogues in Corfu.

Information on synagogues in Corfu is unclear. Different sources can sometimes be contradictory. Since most Jews from Corfu left, it’s difficult to find reliable sources.

There were three different synagogues in Corfu, as well as a midrash. The midrash was most likely located in one of them.
 
There aren’t too many leftovers from Corfu’s synagogues, but only a few photos that could provide some clues regarding the style on the inside.
 
They featured a harmonious mix of Ottoman and Italian baroque styles, not to mention the small elements that made the difference between the Sephardic and Romaniote traditions.
 
Doors for the Torah arks had unique carvings and patterns that matched the Italian style. The Sephardic style brought in two Torah ark curtains and was maintained. Furthermore, the synagogues had silver plaques in all shapes, mainly dedicated to respected members of the community.
 
All Jews in Corfu followed a Romaniote tradition by keeping Torah scrolls in wooden cases. They were usually enhanced with gold paintings.

Apulian Synagogues​

The two Jewish communities in Corfu were in a quiet conflict, so their synagogues were also kept separate. When the first Sephardim Jews arrived in Corfu, the already existing Romaniotes thought they would be assimilated, hence the discord.
 
Since they had different languages, beliefs, rituals and traditions, the Sephardi built their own synagogue. The Marranos, who arrived later in Corfu, were also included in this synagogue.
 
It’s hard to determine the names of the two Apulian synagogues, but according to old sources, they were known as Tempio Maggio or Vecchio and Tempio Nuovo.
 
One of them was located on Solomou Street and the other was on Palaiologou Street.
 
Both buildings featured the Venetian baroque style and a bipolar axial design, with benches lengthwise. Women could reach inside by external staircases. Their section was located by the balconies.
 
Apulian synagogues had a Romaniote influence in design, since they both used shaddayot. The old synagogue had a Torah ark inspired from the Greci synagogue, since it has seven sets of rimonim.
 
Both Apulian synagogues were ruined by the German bombardments on the 13th of September, 1943.

Romaniote Synagogue

​Romaniote Jews in Corfu used the Tempio Greco Synagogue, also known as Scuola Greca. The synagogue was built in the 17th century. Fortunately, it wasn’t affected by German bombardments, so it’s still in use today.

It’s also built by Venetian standards. The first floor hosts some offices, while the actual synagogue is actually on the first floor. The courtyard is ideal for communal sukkah. The section for women is no longer accessible. Located at the balcony, it had a separate entrance.

The open interior has the ehal on the eastern wall and the bimah on the western wall. They’re both made of wood.

The interior is opulent and extravagant, with furnishings similar to synagogues from Venice. The inner parohet underlines the Sephardic influence of the synagogue. Over the past years, a well going from the synagogue to the mikveh has been restored and opened to the public.

We count on your donations to turn the Holocaust Museum of Corfu into a physical gallery.
Donate