Vidin Synagogue

Despite being in ruins, the

synagogue in Vidin,

Bulgaria

is still famous for being the second-largest Jewish temple in Bulgaria. Built in 1894, it fell into disuse after the majority of the local Jews left Bulgaria during and soon after World WarII.

The synagogue was then seized by the communist government, and during the 1970’s, the Ministry of Culture and the National Institute of Monuments developed a plan to restore the building. However, when the communist regime collapsed in 1989, the project was abandoned, leaving the synagogue roofless and exposed to the elements.

Restoration efforts have been talked for years, but nothing has been attempted yet, and it still remains an empty shell.

Update as of August 2022: The synagogue is now under restoration.

Update as of September 2023: Renovations have been completed.