Alte Synagoge Petershagen

The first mention of a so-called parlor synagogue in the annals of St. Petersburg dates back to 1652. In 1845/46, a new synagogue was built on the site of an old, dilapidated half-timbered synagogue from 1796. Presumably at the same time as the previous synagogue from 1796, a half-timbered Jewish school was also built, which could accommodate up to 24 pupils and was in operation until 1916. Next to the classroom was the teacher's room and the mikvah, the Jewish ritual bath.

The synagogue was desecrated and the interior destroyed during the pogrom night of 1938. The building was sold as early as 1939 and then served various purposes until the 1990s, gradually falling into oblivion. In 1998, it was bought and renovated by the town of Petershagen. A citizens' association has set itself the task of keeping alive the memory of Petershagen's Jewish community, which was wiped out.

Today, the Old Synagogue is an information and documentation center for local and regional Jewish history, which is brought closer to visitors with a permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions and cultural events. It is also a memorial and a reminder of the terror of the Hitler regime. This ensemble of synagogue, Jewish school, mikvah, cemetery and residential buildings, which is unique in northern Germany, brings history to life.