Birnbaum

Сатанів
Сатанов
Satanów
Satanov
Sataniv

The synagogue of Satanov is one of the oldest synagogues in Ukraine.
It was built in 1539, according to Polish sources.
Aspects of the building date it from the end of 16th to the beginning of 17th centuries. Analysis of architectural construction, type of masonry etc., shows similarity with an Orthodox monastery near Satanov, which is dated from the year 1600.
Chemical analysis of mortar carried out in the Kiev Architectural Institute, dates the synagogue's construction from the beginning of 17th century.
The building is 21 meters by 18.5 m. and is 14.5 meters high, constructed of big stone blocks and crowned with a brick attic.
Semi-cylindrical vaults overlap the synagogue's inner space. This is a unique fortress synagogue, which retains all its elements.
The building was part of the city's fortifications system and retains a passage to the roofing inside the wall, a battle round, and characteristic loopholes.
Shelters under the synagogue also survive.
In 1722, reconstruction of the synagogue was carried out, as indicated above the stone Baroque-style Ark.
Inside the building are carved stone portals and fragments of stucco decoration.
The synagogue was used as a storehouse for structural materials, but now it is hardly used because of its dire condition.

The Jewish Cemetery in Satanov is located on a hill, above the Zbruch River.
The cemetery is 1,200 m. x 300, and has aobut 3000 tombstones.
There are about 300 carved gravestones and steles from the 16th to the first half of the 19th century in the old section.
The earliest gravestone dates from the 1554.
There are fifteen gravestones from the 16th century, and twenty-seven gravestones from the 17th century.
Inscriptions yield information on various events in Satanov, on migrations, etc. Decorated gravestones of the 18th century exhibit a variety of motifs, stylistic solutions and artistic performance.
Most gravestones, which date from the end of 17th - 19th centuries, are preserved.
In 1991 and 1992, the cemetery was documented by two expeditions.