Kalvarija has one of Lithuania’s most important Jewish complexes, a fenced compound where two synagogues face each other. A red brick rabbi’s house with a prominent Star of David stands between the old ruined synagogue and the newer synagogue that is being restored.

Kalvarija has one of Lithuania’s most important existing Jewish complexes, a fenced compound on Sodu street, where two synagogues face each other across a fenced compound. One of them, built in the 18th century, is a ruin. Its roof has fallen in, and through the gaping windows you can see grand broken arches and other architectural detail.

The other, however, believed to have been built in the early 19th century, was undergoing renovation for use as a cultural venue and music school; by the end of the summer 2010, the exterior had been almost completely rebuilt, although the interior was not finished. A red brick rabbi’s house, decorated with a big star of David, stands between them.