Radautz and Surroundings

Posted on April 11, 2015 by Christian Herrmann under Jewish Cemeteries, Southern Bukovina, Synagogues

The Jewish cemetery of Rădăuţi (Radautz) was one of the highlights of our trip so far – one of the most impressive cemeteries I’ve ever seen. South of Radautz are Solca and Arbore. In both villages are Jewish cemeteries. We visited them today.

Radautz – former synagogue, now a shop

Radautz – Temple Synagogue

Radautz

Radautz – Jewish cemetery

Solca – Jewish cemetery

Arbore – stork

Arbore – Jewish cemetery

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Glamour and Simplicity

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Christian Herrmann under Jewish Cemeteries, Southern Bukovina, Synagogues

Vatra Dornei is an old spa in the middle of the Carpathians. The traces of its glamourous past are still visible. This includes a magnificent synagogue. A colorful contrast is the surrounding countryside with its wild mountains. In Cârlibaba we visited a particularly poignant small Jewish cemetery.

Vatra Dornei Casino

Vatra Dornei – Temple Synagogue

Vatra Dornei Synagogue

Vatra Dornei – Jewish cemetery

Cârlibaba – Jewish cemetery

Near Cârlibaba

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High up in the Carpathians

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Christian Herrmann under Jewish Cemeteries, Southern Bukovina, Synagogues

Today we traveled further west, deeper into the Carpathians. The Monastery of Voroneţ and the Jewish heritage of Vama and Câmpulung Moldovenesc were on our way. Again and we looked for the remaining traces of Jewish Bukovina, for cemeteries and synagogues.

Voroneţ Monastery

Vama Jewish cemetery

Câmpulung Moldovenesc synagogue

Câmpulung Moldovenesc Jewish cemetery

Câmpulung Moldovenesc synagogue

High up in the Carpathians

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Arrival in Romania

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Christian Herrmann under Synagogues, Transylvania (Siebenbürgen)

I like Europe. A two hour flight brings you into a completely different world. Today I arrived in Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár, Klausenburg), a city in Transylvania (Siebenbürgen), Romania. My friends Petra and Achim picked me up at the airport, with them I will be traveling in the next 2 weeks.

Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár, Klausenburg)

Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár, Klausenburg), synagogue

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A Winter Journey In Black And White

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Christian Herrmann under Eastern Galicia, Volhynia (Volyn)

At the turn of the year I traveled in Ukraine again. This time I was in Volhynia (Volhyn), a historical region between Galicia and Belarus. My trip took me to Trochenbrod, Lutsk, Rivne, Dubno and Ostroh. Back in Lviv, I made an excursion to Olesko and Busk in Galicia. Now I have completed a selection of black and white photos of the trip.

Busk synagogue

Dubno synagogue

Lutsk synagogue

Olesko synagogue

Ostroh synagogue

Trochenbrod (Trachimbrod)

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A last excursion to Galicia

Posted on January 2, 2015 by Christian Herrmann under Eastern Galicia, Jewish Cemeteries, Synagogues

Again, I was travelling with Vasyl and Renata. I highly appreciate both of them – because of their kindness and because of their excellent knowledge of local history. My journey is slowly coming to an end and it was a final opportunity to explore Galicia during this trip. Olesko and Busk were the places we went to.

Olesko Jewish cemetery

Olesko synagogue

Olesko castle

Busk synagogue

Busk Jewish cemetery

Busk Jewish cemetery – mass grave site

Busk Jewish cemetery

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A few words about Rivne

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Christian Herrmann under Synagogues, Volhynia (Volyn)

What can I say about Rivne, the city where I stayed for my trips to Ostroh and Dubno? Very little is left from old Rivne. The city was rebuilt after the war in Stalin style. The suburbs consist mainly of Soviet apartment blocks from the Brezhnev era. In the center is a huge theater – sculptures dance on its roof into a bright future that never took place.

Rivne Theatre

Rivne Theatre – sculptures dance on its roof into a bright future that never took place

Rivne – main street

Last synagogue of Rivne

Rivne – former synagogue

Rivne – Orthodox church, one of the last buildings of old Rivne

Rivne – empty square on New Year’s Eve

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In Dubno

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Christian Herrmann under Synagogues, Volhynia (Volyn)

In Dubno probably more historical substance is preserved then in much larger Rivne, where I stay in a hotel. At the market square a number of typical Jewish functional houses are still standing, with a shop in the ground floor and an apartment with balcony on the first floor. One of Dubno’s most important monuments is the former synagogue. It is easy to find and is located in close vicinity to the central market square.

Dubno synagogue

Dubno – old Jewish quarter

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An excursion to Ostroh

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Christian Herrmann under Jewish Cemeteries, Synagogues, Volhynia (Volyn)

The synagogue of Ostroh is in a sad state. However, the Jewish cemetery was found in surprisingly good condition during my today’s visit. I have rarely seen such a well-kept Jewish cemetery in Ukraine.

Ostroh synagogue

Ostroh Jewish cemetery

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A walk through Lutsk

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Christian Herrmann under Synagogues, Volhynia (Volyn)

Volhynia was ruled from Lutsk for centuries. The impressive fortress that was never conquered throughout its history, still bears witness of this periode. The massive towers of the fortress are without doubt the landmark of the city, but there is more to discover. Join me on a walk through Lutsk with its multiethnic past and present!