Rácz Jolán szerk.: Az Európai Unió támogatásával helyreállított műemlékek Magyarországon (Budapest, 1997)

MEDIEVAL SYNAGOGUE, SOPRON The excavations following the Second World War revealed two medieval synagogues in downtown Sopron, in former Zsidó utca (Jews'street). There are only very few medieval synagogues left in Europe; the ones in Sopron belong to the more simple types of buildings with an internal dimension of 6x9 meters covered by ribbed cross vaults. The synagogue was built in 1360 in the middle of the plot of a wealthy family, hence it is referred to as 'the private synagogue'. In the 15th century a house was built on the street front of the plot, and the church lost its original function. This rare historic building was first opened to the public in 1960. However, due to incomplete historic knowledge, as well as deterioration over the decades, the building called for expert renovation. Thus the walls were reinforced, and the synagogue was given a new, high saddle roof. The group of three windows on the eastern wall was restored, as well as the tympanum entrance on the northern front. The frame of Torah niche was also reconstructed from stone fragments found in the ruin. The medieval dwelling house, too, was reconstructed; it accommodates offices and guest rooms. Name of historic site: Medieval Synagogue Address: Sopron, Új utca 11 Date of construction, major periods: 1360, 15th century, 1960 Listed: Yes, since 1953 Owner: Hungarian State Open to the public: Yes EU financial support for: Complete restoration Year of EU support: 1992 Total EU support: 30,000 ECU^3,264,000 HUF Total cost of restoration: 9,000,000 HUF Date of restoration: 1993-1996 Responsible for the project: State Centre for the Restoration and Conservation of Historic Monuments (ÁMRK) 1036 Budapest, Dugovics Titusz tér 13-17 János Sedlmayr, architect, holder of the Ybl Award