According to verified reports, archaeologists Justinas Račas and Jonas Seligmanas are leading the largest archaeological excavations to date at the site of the Great Synagogue of Vilna, located in the courtyard of Vokiečių Street on Žydų Street. The expansive 900-square-meter dig follows the demolition last year of a kindergarten-school building that was erected during the Soviet era after the historic synagogue was leveled to the ground following damage sustained during World War II.
The ongoing excavations have allowed researchers to trace distinct construction phases of the landmark. According to the source material, portions of the walls date back to the 17th century when the synagogue was originally built, while other sections trace to the 18th century when a women’s gallery was added. Dr. J. Seligmanas noted that the sheer scale of the synagogue has surprised researchers, revealing that the structure occupied the entire space between neighboring buildings on either side.
Uncovering Architectural Details and Personal Artifacts
During the centralization of the dig, archaeologists uncovered the foundational remains of four columns alongside a baroque bima. According to Justinas Račas, unexposed decor elements that divided the space are also coming to light as the team examines how the interior originally appeared. Dr. J. Seligmanas explained that the bima served as the elevated central section where the rabbi read the Torah while facing the arankodeš.
Beyond structural remains, the excavations have yielded personal items that connect researchers to the pre-war Jewish community. Dr. J. Seligmanas described handling named seating plaques inscribed in Hebrew, such as a numbered slate indicating that seat 321 belonged to a man named Aaron Šlomas Zakus, who had purchased his space in the synagogue. Other recoveries include shards of ritual vessels used during Passover (the Jewish Easter), ceramics, coins, and household goods.
Did You Know? Archaeologists Justinas Račas and Jonas Seligmanas and their colleagues have spent a decade investigating the Vilna Great Synagogue site in the courtyard of Vokiečių Street on Žydų Street.
Public Access and Future Outlook
The current archaeological investigation is funded by the Good Will Fund and is scheduled to last for a week, during which time the public is invited to attend specialized guided tours. Scenario-based analysis suggests that the findings could further illuminate daily life and architectural layouts of the historical community once artifact analysis concludes. Observers indicate that future educational efforts may incorporate these newly revealed structural details into broader public exhibitions.
Expert Insight: Investigating beneath 20th-century institutional structures provides a rare window into urban layers that were long thought to be lost. By connecting physical architectural elements—like the bima foundations and named seating plaques—with specific individuals, the fieldwork bridges architectural history and tangible human genealogy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the archaeological excavations taking place?
The excavations are located at the site of the Vilna Great Synagogue in the courtyard of Vokiečių Street, on Žydų Street.
Who is funding the current research project?
The archaeological work is financed by the Good Will Fund.
What notable artifacts have been discovered at the site?
Researchers have found named seating plaques inscribed in Hebrew, shards of ritual vessels used during Passover, coins, ceramics, and various household objects.
What specific aspects of daily pre-war community life do you think these newly uncovered artifacts help illuminate most?
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