(JTA) — A synagogue in Slovenia was named a national cultural landmark.
The Maribor Synagogue on Friday was granted the status by government decree, according to the Jewish Heritage Europe website, citing Slovenian media reports. The synagogue was built in the 14th century, or as early as the late 13th century, and is among the oldest preserved synagogues in Europe.
Since 2011 it has operated as the Center for Jewish Cultural Heritage-Synagogue Maribor after being opened in 2001 following restoration work as a Jewish heritage center administered by the Maribor Regional Museum. City and state funding paid for the restoration.
The synagogue had been converted to a church in 1501 and remained that way until the late 18th century. In the 19th century it was used as a storehouse.
The funds for operating the cultural center are provided by the municipality of Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia, and outside donations.
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