Home News Europa Nostra and EIB Institute publish report on the Synagogue of Siena, Italy

Europa Nostra and EIB Institute publish report on the Synagogue of Siena, Italy

April 15, 2025 | Posted in 7 Most Endangered

Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute published today a technical report on the restoration of the Synagogue of Siena, Italy. The Synagogue of Siena was listed among the 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe for 2024 following a nomination made by an individual member of Europa Nostra from France together with the Jewish Community of Florence and the World Monuments Fund (WMF) Spain.

The Synagogue of Siena is one of the few examples in Europe of a pre-19th century synagogue that has not been destroyed and is still in use by the local community. Built in 1786 by the architect Giuseppe del Rosso, it showcases a blend of Rococo and Neoclassical elements. The building attracts thousands of tourists each year. The earthquake in February 2023 caused structural damage to the vault of the Synagogue of Siena, halting all religious and social activities.

The technical report, prepared by Romualdo Massa Bernucci, Consultant provided by the EIB Institute, provides a comprehensive assessment of the damages caused by the earthquake and outlines the ongoing rehabilitation project, which began in August 2024 and is expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2025. The restoration efforts include the consolidation of walls and vaults, the replacement of the roof and the repair of decorative elements.

In response to rising security concerns and recent incidents of vandalism against Jewish heritage sites, the report mentions the installation of a state-of-the-art surveillance system, which was funded by the EIB Institute. This security upgrade, completed in September 2024, is designed to protect the Synagogue’s precious artifacts, documents and furnishings.

The technical report was produced on the basis of the outcomes of the mission on-site conducted from 5 to 6 September 2024. The expert mission included visits to the Synagogues of Florence and Siena and meetings with local authorities, including the Mayor of Siena. The mission team consisted of Laurent Lévi Strauss and Paolo Vitti, both Board Members of Europa Nostra, and Romualdo Massa Bernucci, Consultant provided by the EIB Institute. Their engagement with representatives of the Jewish Communities of Florence and Siena, the local government and restoration professionals was crucial to evaluating the project’s progress and gaining institutional support.

The technical report puts forward proposals to stimulate the Synagogue’s integration into Siena’s cultural landscape. These include the creation of an interactive educational exhibit on Jewish history in Siena, strengthened partnerships with local institutions, and increased participation in citywide life and events. The aim is to bridge the perceived gap between the Synagogue of Siena and the broader community, thus developing a deeper appreciation of the site’s historical and spiritual significance.

The inclusion of the Synagogue of Siena in the 7 Most Endangered list 2024 has mobilised support for its preservation. Through a combination of international fundraising, started by the WMF Spain, community involvement and strategic investment, the site is being safeguarded not only as a monument of architectural and religious importance but also as a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity.