Unique frescos found during renovations in former synagogue

During renovations at the House of Culture in Beregovo, the Trans-Carpathian region, some worn-out frescoes were found on the top floor under the metal plates. They may have certain historical and cultural value, as before the war the main synagogue of the city operated in this room.

This was announced by Mayor Zoltan Babyak on his page in a social network, Beregovo.Today reports.

Built in the late nineteenth century, the large synagogue in the Neo-Mauritanian style was once one of the most beautiful buildings of Beregovo.

Construction of four colonnades and colorful stained glass was located in Verbotsi square (now Kossuth).

However, during the war, under the Hungarian authorities the internal decoration of the synagogue was being destroyed, wooden benches were broken and its property was lloted. With the arrival of Soviet troops a warehouse was arranged in the rooms.

In 1960, the authorities decided to reconstruct the synagogue, which in practice meant its destruction. The original designs were covered by 15 concrete slabs – according the number of Soviet republics. Gray, monolithic, monstrous - they ruined all the original architectural ensemble of the central square of the city.

On July 7, 1969, the Palace of Culture with the room for 600 spectators was opened in Beregovo.

On September 24, 2015, the façade was covered with a large canvas, featuring the old synagogue and national flags of Ukraine and Hungary, as well as symbols of the city and the European Union.

For several years, the question restoration of the former synagogue in its original form, at least the façade, has been discussed. When adjusting the master plan of Beregovo in 2012, the major reconstruction plan for the House of Culture was discussed as well.