Mikveh (Speyer, Rhineland)

ca. 1120

Photo of a stone stairway descending to an arched alcove with two arched windows above a larger rectangular window. — The mikveh (ritual bath) in Speyer, Rhineland (Germany), was built around 1120, shortly after the construction of the local synagogue, which it abuts. The mikveh was constructed in the contemporary Romanesque style and is almost completely preserved. Like the synagogue, the mikveh was probably built by Christian workmen. The stairway down from the surface to the mikveh is barrel vaulted and leads to a square bathing area, 33 feet (10 m) deep, which is fed by groundwater. This mikveh is one of the oldest preserved in central Europe.

Photo of a stone room with an arched doorway, stone benches and columns, and a stairway. — The mikveh (ritual bath) in Speyer, Rhineland (Germany), was built around 1120, shortly after the construction of the local synagogue, which it abuts. The mikveh was constructed in the contemporary Romanesque style and is almost completely preserved. Like the synagogue, the mikveh was probably built by Christian workmen. The stairway down from the surface to the mikveh is barrel vaulted and leads to a square bathing area, 33 feet (10 m) deep, which is fed by groundwater. This mikveh is one of the oldest preserved in central Europe.

Photo of a rectangular stone and brick pool partially filled with water, with a stairway descending into it and an arched door. — The mikveh (ritual bath) in Speyer, Rhineland (Germany), was built around 1120, shortly after the construction of the local synagogue, which it abuts. The mikveh was constructed in the contemporary Romanesque style and is almost completely preserved. Like the synagogue, the mikveh was probably built by Christian workmen. The stairway down from the surface to the mikveh is barrel vaulted and leads to a square bathing area, 33 feet (10 m) deep, which is fed by groundwater. This mikveh is one of the oldest preserved in central Europe.

The mikveh (ritual bath) in Speyer, Rhineland (Germany), was built around 1120, shortly after the construction of the local synagogue, which it abuts. The mikveh was constructed in the contemporary Romanesque style and is almost completely preserved. Like the synagogue, the mikveh was probably built by Christian workmen. The stairway down from the surface to the mikveh is barrel vaulted and leads to a square bathing area, 33 feet (10 m) deep, which is fed by groundwater. This mikveh is one of the oldest preserved in central Europe.

Credits

Chris 73 via Wikimedia, “Judenbad Speyer 3 First Room view.” Licensed under (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Chris 73 via Wikimedia Commons, “Judenbad Speyer 4 changing alcove in first room.” Licensed under (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Chris 73 via Wikimedia, “Judenbad Speyer 6 View from the first room down.” Licensed under (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 3: Encountering Christianity and Islam.

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