Kőszeg Synagogue

DVM participated as general contractor in the comprehensive heritage restoration of Kőszeg Synagogue, a project aimed at preserving the building’s architectural value, reconstructing its historic elements and creating spaces suitable for new community functions.

Having stood unused for an extended period, the building was in a significantly deteriorated technical condition. One of the greatest challenges of the renovation was the damage affecting the timber structures: the presence of dry rot posed a serious threat to the building’s wooden elements. Under DVM’s coordination, comprehensive fungal remediation and timber protection works were carried out, ensuring the long-term preservation of the structures. As part of the project, a new gallery was constructed, designed to integrate with the historic building while supporting its renewed functions.

During the works, particular emphasis was placed on the authentic restoration of heritage values. As part of the restoration works, the synagogue’s dome and richly decorated painted surfaces were renewed under the direction of fresco restorer Gábor Nagy. The aim of the restoration was to reinstate the original spatial experience and architectural character.

DVM was involved in the delivery of several key elements of the heritage reconstruction. The framed memorial plaque in the entrance hall, the double stone Tablets of Moses and the SCHEY inscription panel were restored. Valuable elements of the synagogue’s original stone flooring were preserved and reinstalled, while the external plinth, the entrance hall’s stone staircase, the stone frame of the entrance gate and the threshold stone were fully reconstructed.

In the interior spaces, honed Süttő hard limestone flooring was installed, while the existing stone finishes were also repaired and relaid. The historic cement tile floors were professionally restored, with missing elements partially remanufactured and reinstalled. The new plinths and stair-accompanying elements were also made of Süttő limestone.

During the decorative painting restoration works, key elements such as the entrance gate, windows and doors, Torah ark, gallery balustrade, folding reading desk and the Mizrah platform were renewed on the basis of surviving plans, descriptions and historic documentation. As part of the glass restoration works, the stained-glass windows were restored, while the metal restoration works included the renewal of the cast-iron columns, gallery brackets, Mizrah platform railing, window grilles and other historic metal structures.

The project also included the reconstruction of the historic wall fountain, the central chandelier and the façade clock, which received a new mechanism while its dial was restored based on its original appearance.

Through the coordinated work of DVM’s construction and restoration specialists and subcontractors, the architectural heritage of Kőszeg Synagogue has been preserved, while the building has been restored in a modernised form, once again enabling it to become a defining venue in the city’s cultural life.