Gaukönigshofen (County of Würzburg, Lower Franconia)
Fromer Synagogue Gaukönigshofen inside, © Wolfgang Gillitzer
Former Synagogue
The earliest reference to the synagogue in Gaukönigshofen was in 1769. In addition to the synagogue, the Jewish community – which existed through 1942 – had a community house with a classroom and a mikveh (ritual bath).
During the anti-Jewish pogrom of November 1938, members of the SS and SA destroyed and burned the synagogue’s furnishings and ritual objects, with help from local inhabitants. Its close proximity to other buildings probably protected the synagogue from complete destruction. In June 1939, the synagogue was passed on to the municipality of Gaukönigshofen for a fraction of its true value, just like the Jewish community center with its school and teacher’s apartment.
After 1945, the building served as an apartment building and warehouse. In 1988, the building was renovated and a memorial established. The historical synagogue and mikveh are open to the public. The main area of the synagogue is now a memorial site. The former teacher’s apartment houses an exhibition on the history of the former Jewish communities of the Würzburg district. An audio-visual presentation, photos and documents supplement the tour.
Former Synagogue
Am Königshof 22
D-97253 Gaukönigshofen
Tel. +49 (0)9337 97190
Fax +49 (0)9337 971999
www.gaukoenigshofen.de
Opening hours:
every first Sunday a month
May-Oct: 2pm – 4pm;
closed November – April
Tour booking:
Commune Gaukönigshofen
Tel. +49 (0)9337 97190
info@gaukoenigshofen.bayern.de