Details
Founded: ca. 1800Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Finland
Historical period: The Age of Enlightenment (Finland)
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The history of Anjala manor dates back to 17th century. Carl IX, the king of Sweden, donated it to Henrik Wrede’s widow in 1608 after Wrede had saved his life in Kirkholm battle. Henrik Wrede himself died in battle. Anjala manor was the residence of powerful Wrede family until 1837. The original main building was destroyed in a fire caused by Russian artillery in 1789 and the current one was built some years later.
The Anjala conspiracy of 1788 was signed in the manor. It was a scheme by disgruntled Swedish officers to end Gustav III's Russian War of 1788–90. Declaring Finland an independent state was part of the plot, although it is disputed what importance the conspirators connected to that aspect.
Anjala manor was opened to the public as a museum in 1957. The aim of the furnished rooms is to give a glimpse of late 18th to late 19th century period’s historical style and way of life. The manor also has a Mathilda Wrede room displaying items which are part of her life’s work.
The Erfurt Synagogue was built c. 1094. It is thought to be the oldest synagogue building still standing in Europe. Thanks to the extensive preservation of the original structure, it has a special place in the history of art and architecture and is among the most impressive and highly rated architectural monuments in Erfurt and Thuringia. The synagogue was constructed during the Middle Ages on the via regia, one of the major European trade routes, at the heart of the historical old quarter very close to the Merchants Bridge and the town hall. Many parts of the structure still remain today, including all four thick outer walls, the Romanesque gemel window, the Gothic rose window and the entrance to the synagogue room.
After extensive restoration, the building was reopened in 2009. On display in the exhibition rooms is an collection of medieval treasures discovered during archaeological excavations. This includes 3,140 silver coins, 14 silver ingots, approx. 6,000 works of goldsmithery from the 13th and 14th centuries and an intricately worked wedding ring of the period, of which only two others are known to exist anywhere in the world. A mikveh (Jewish bath) has been excavated close by (13th/14th century). The Old Synagogue, the Small Synagogue and two Jewish cemeteries together form a network of historical buildings and sites which vividly portray the role of Jewish life in the history of Erfurt.