Photo: Drz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
- Type
- Museum
- Coordinates
- 37°55′26″ N, 15°57′06″ E
- Address
- Strada Statale 106 Jonica, 89035 Bova Marina
History and description
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 beneath the site but trying to reach it would require destroying the ruins. The synagogue is a basilica-style building that resembles the Byzantine synagogues of the Galilee. The building is oriented to south-east. The synagogue appears to have ceased functioning around the year 600 when the entire area seemed to have been abandoned. In addition to the site itself, many artifacts have been discovered such as amphora handles with menorah impressions and three thousand bronze coins.
The site features a mosaic floor with the image of a menorah and accompanying images of a shofar and a lulav to the right and an etrog on the left. In addition, there are other decorative motifs such as Solomon's Knots. There is also a wall niche thought to once contain Torah scrolls.
Tourism
In January 2011, Calabrian newspapers reported increase funding of €600,000 for restoration of the Bova Marina archaeological park. The restoration is part of a regional plan to increase tourism. The project also calls for the opening of a museum to display Jewish artifacts excavated from the site.
Local rabbi Barbara Aiello conducts tours to the site as well as other Jewish heritage sites in southern Italy.
Text from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Full article: «Bova Marina Synagogue».
Getting there
Bova MarinaTrain, nearest
2.5 km as the crow flies
Bova Marina SynagogueStrada Statale 106 Jonica, 89035 Bova Marina
Aeroporto di Reggio Calabria - Tito Minniti31.3 km
Distances are as the crow flies, not walking or driving.
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Nearby
See on the mapMore museums in Calabria
- Free 1st Sunday
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bova Marina Synagogue?
Bova Marina Synagogue is in Bova Marina, in the province of Reggio Calabria (Calabria), Italy. Address: Strada Statale 106 Jonica, 89035 Bova Marina. GPS coordinates: 37.92386, 15.95169.
What are the opening hours of Bova Marina Synagogue?
According to OpenStreetMap the opening hours are: Mo-Th 08:30-17:00, Fr 09:30-13:00; Sa-Su, PH off. Always check the official website before your visit.
How much does it cost to visit Bova Marina Synagogue?
Entry is free.
What else is there to see near Bova Marina Synagogue?
Nearby you’ll find: Museo e parco archeologico Archeoderi (0 m away), Castello di Palizzi (5.6 km away), Bova (8.1 km away).
Sources and licences
Text. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Data. Wikidata (CC0); opening hours and contacts OpenStreetMap (ODbL).
Photos. Wikimedia Commons, author and licence on every image.
Credits for the 1 photos
- BovaMarinaSinagogaMenorah(3) — Drz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated 28 October 2026. All sources and licences