Main Slonim synagogue was built in 1642 by means of the local Jewish community. As you can see, looking at this magnificent building and the remains of the magnificent frescoes inside, the community once thrived.

Like most temples of Slonim, whose original name was Slonim, i.e., a barrier, a synagogue was built as a defensive structure, able to withstand a serious siege. Unfortunately, even the strongest walls are not able to keep a victorious Napoleon's army. The synagogue was destroyed and looted. The restored synagogue was only in the mid-nineteenth century. At this time the Jewish community of Slonim was the biggest in Belarus. In the XIX century in the city was 21 synagogue.

Re-looted and destroyed the synagogue was during the Nazi invasion. As you know, the Jews were the first enemies to the Nazis. Ancient building bears traces of someone else's causeless hatred. But after the war the synagogue was not going to recover. The Soviet authorities also disliked Jews and comfortable roomy adapted the building as a warehouse.

Only in 2000, when the building began to crumble, the Jewish community was able to achieve transfer of the synagogue. However, funds for the restoration, obviously, the community is not enough, and the government is in no hurry to allocate money for the restoration of their cultural heritage. Enough money only for preservation of the building. Well worth it, breaks an ancient XVII century building, built in the Baroque style that would become a hallmark of Slonim. Beside him was already formed natural market, full of life, but an empty and hollow.