Čáslav Synagogue
Čáslav
The modern Jewish community in Čáslav began its history in the mid-19th century. At the end of the century, the Jewish inhabitants of Čáslav experienced a period of social and cultural flourishing, which culminated at the turn of the century with the construction of a new synagogue on the former Rudolfova třída (today’s Masaryk Street No. 111).
The municipality approached the prominent Viennese architect Wilhelm Stiassni, who had also participated in the construction of the Jubilee Synagogue in Prague on Jerusalem Street. He designed a synagogue in the Moorish style for Čáslav, which was to replace an older house of prayer documented from the mid-19th century. The plans of this Jewish builder were promptly approved by the Israelite Association and the municipal authority in 1897, but it took two more years before construction began. The possible cause was lack of finance. Not only the inhabitants of Čáslav and its surroundings, but also the Rotschild family in Vienna contributed to the construction. Construction work began on 13. March 1899 and already on 2.9.1899 the ceremonial approval took place.
The Čáslav synagogue is a building of high architectural quality and is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
The synagogue in Čáslav served its original purpose until 1941, when it was closed like other Jewish houses of prayer. After the war, its premises were used as a warehouse for the then Kosmos factories, after modifications it began to function as a depository for the town gallery in 1970. At that time, the town emblem was also placed on the place where the Jewish star was located. Two memorial plaques with the names of the architect, the builder and the board of directors of the Jewish cultural community are now placed in the hallway.
In 1994 the synagogue was returned to the Jewish community as part of restitution. In 2008, with the support of the town of Čáslav, the facade of the building was repaired and the window with the Star of David was returned to the largest arch. The current phase of renovations, during which comprehensive repairs to the interior were completed in April 2022, will make the synagogue in Čáslav the first since its construction in the early 20th century. century, the renovation of the interiors is coordinated and financed by the Dr. Dagmar Lieblová Foundation. In order to make the synagogue space ready for year-round use, a heated floor was installed throughout the hall, which is connected to its own heat source. On the first floor, administrative premises are being created and a regular exhibition on the history of the Jewish community in Kutná Hora will be placed here.
The synagogue is still being reconstructed, but guided tours, concerts and lectures are already taking place here.
For more information about current events and opening hours, visit the synagogue’s website.
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