Bova Marina Synagogue

About

The Bova Marina Synagogue (Italian: Sinagoga di Bova Marina) is a former Jewish congregation and synagogue, that was located in Bova Marina, Calabria, Italy. It is the second oldest synagogue discovered in Italy and one of the oldest in Europe, dating from the 4th century CE. The former site of the synagogue has been an archaeological site since 1983.

History: Discovered in 1983, the basilica-style synagogue resembles synagogues of the Galilee in the Byzantine period, and features a mosaic floor with images of a menorah, shofar, lulav, and etrog. The site also includes artifacts such as amphora handles with menorah impressions and three thousand bronze coins. The structure was renovated in the 6th century, and appears to have been ceased functioning around 600, when the entire area was abandoned. Bova Marina means "Bova by the sea", in Italian. Only the Ostia Synagogue is older. The ancient Jewish community of Calabria is one of the oldest in Europe. The remains of the Bova Marina synagogue were unearthed in 1983 during road construction.

Description: The synagogue was built in the 4th century with renovations dating to the 6th century. There appears to be an older structure...