Synagogue of Moncalvo

When in 1732 the ghetto was created Moncalvo, the synagogue was also built. Like all ghetto synagogues, the place of worship was located inside the closed area, devoid of any external sign of recognition and with internal access from the ghetto itself. With the emancipation of 1848, the synagogue was able to give itself a monumental façade in 1860 on the side outside the ghetto which overlooked Piazza Carlo Alberto. The very simple façade consists of two symmetrical portals, surmounted by a large inscription in Hebrew and Italian: "My house will be called a house of prayer for all the people" (Isaiah 56.6).

With the disappearance community, the synagogue was dismantled in 1951 and transformed into a warehouse. The splendid wooden ceiling and the precious furnishings were transferred to Israel, where they are still found today^[1] in the synagogue of Italian rite in Ramat Gan, in the suburbs of Tel Aviv^[2]. The facade with the faded and badly chiseled inscription is all that remains visible today of the place of worship.

It is the only synagogue in Europe that insists on the main square of the city in which it is located.

The facade of the ex-sinagoga was recovered in 2014, thanks also to the Bergagna family^[3].

• Jewish community of Casale Monferrato, My house will be called a house of prayer for all people. Moncalvo, Jews, battle, Tipografia Barberis, 2005.