The Biella Synagogue is an early 17th-century synagogue in Biella, Italy.

The synagogue occupies the top floor of a medieval house at Vicolo del Bellone 3, in the heart of the historic Jewish quarter. It is a modestly sized, rectangular room with baroque decoration, a central bimah and an ornate, seventeenth century, baroque Torah Ark.[1]

The synagogue possesses the oldest known Torah scroll still in use which dates to the 13th century.[2]

In 2009 a 350,000 euro restoration, overseen by the Jewish community in Vercelli and funded from the Piedmont Region and by donations from a number of sources, including a local bank, completed the repair of the roof, and restoration of the Torah Ark, women's gallery and interior. Further restoration work is planned.[1]

The Biella Synagogue is one of about sixteen that survive in Piedmont, including the Synagogue of Casale Monferrato and the Vercelli Synagogue.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ruth Ellen Gruber (January 25, 2009) "Biella synagogue restored", Jewish Heritage Travel
  2. ↑ Chamberlain, Samuel (31 March 2021). "Turkish police seize apparent ancient Torah scroll during car search". The New York Post. Retrieved 2 April 2021.

45°33′56″N 8°02′42″E / 45.565491°N 8.045117°E / 45.565491; 8.045117

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