Synagoga v Českém Krumlově Synagogue

Synagoga v Českém Krumlově, known as Temple, is a unique monument built in 1909 on the western top of the city of Plešivec. This synagogue became famous not only by its architectural features, but also as the first construction in Austria-Hungary, which used the reinforced concrete construction. Its location and history make it important not only for local residents but also for visitors from around the world.

The history of the Jewish village in Český Krumlov dates back to the 14th century when their stay in the city was first documented in writing. Although John of Luxembourg allowed the establishment of four Jewish families, relations with the authorities were not ideal and in 1494 the Jews were expelled from the city. This residence ban applied until the 18th century, when several Jewish families could only settle under certain conditions. The revolutionary year of 1848 brought the break, which finally equalized the Jews to the same population of Austria-Hungary. This fundamental right was confirmed by the December Constitution of 1867.

After the establishment of the Jewish Religious Society in 1855 and its transformation into a separate ZNO in 1893, the synagogue was built as a spiritual centre for the local Jewish community. The plans for the construction were designed by Prague architect Viktor Kafka and the implementation took place under the direction of the builder Sosna between 1908 and 1909. The funding was largely secured by the local rich factory family Spiro. The building, which occupies the area of 505 m ² on the land in the town register no. 208, is a single boat with a saddle roof and an octave tower dominating the entire square.

The synagogue was designed in a new Romanesque style with Art Nouveau elements. The gem is painted blue and contains bimos moved to the east wall with aron ha-codesh, which dominates a large pseudo-rose window with the stained glass of David's star. In the ship were two rows of benches for 140 - 180 believers, left for men and right for women and children.

The synagogue served religious purposes until 1938, when the local Jewish community counted about a hundred members. After World War II, the synagogue was used as a warehouse of the castle Baroque theatre and after 1969 the Church of Czechoslovak Hussite. After 1990 the Prague ŽNO was returned.

In 2006, the Czech Union of Jewish Youth organized a two-day program which included cleaning of the synagogue before the general reconstruction, celebration of the Sabbath holiday with reading from the Torah and bar mitzvah boy from the USA, whose grandfather came from Český Krumlov.

Today stands the synagogue in Český Krumlov as a testimony of rich history and architectural innovation. Its unique design and historical value make it necessary to visit anyone interested in the heritage of Jewish communities in the Czech Republic. Visiting this monument is an opportunity to learn not only architectural beauty, but also a deep historical context that has shaped the lives of many generations.