New synagogue in Prostějov

The Synagogue in Prostějov is a striking building on Demelova street in the Czech town of Prostějov (Moravia), a structure that once served the local Jewish community and today functions as a Hussite church. It's one of those places where architecture tells a story of destruction and survival at the same time, making it well worth a short stop while walking through the town centre.

Where did the building come from?

The current structure was built in 1904 to a design by architect Jakob Gartner, in an eclectic-secessionist style. It replaced an earlier baroque synagogue that had stood on the same spot since the 17th century; the new building itself commemorates the anniversary of that older synagogue's foundation stone. It was designed with a distinctive pair of towers and a raised entrance portal reached by narrowing steps, topped with a large arched window on the upper floor.

What happened to it after the war?

The Jewish community used the synagogue until 1940. During the war the building was turned into a warehouse, and after the destruction of Prostějov's Jewish community there was no congregation left to use it for its original purpose. Between 1947 and 1949 the building underwent a thorough reconstruction, designed by architect Hubert Aust from Olomouc, and was adapted for the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. It has served in that role ever since, known locally as Husův sbor.

What will you see there?

From the outside, the building still reveals its Art Nouveau roots — the raised entrance portal and the large arched window remain visible — even though the interior was largely reworked for Christian worship. This isn't a site with heavy tourist infrastructure; rather, it's a stop on a historical walk through central Prostějov that helps visitors understand the fate of the local Jewish community, once among the larger ones in Moravia.

How to get there?

The building stands on Demelova street in the very centre of Prostějov, so it's easiest to reach on foot from the main square or from the railway station, which is roughly a fifteen-minute walk away. Prostějov is well connected by train to Olomouc and Brno, making it a convenient stop when exploring the wider region.

When should you visit?

Since the building is an active church, it's best to plan a visit during the day, outside service hours, so you can take your time looking at the façade and its surroundings. Spring and autumn are comfortable seasons for exploring Prostějov on foot, avoiding the heat typical of Moravian summers.

Frequently asked questions

Does the synagogue in Prostějov still serve a Jewish religious function? No. Since 1947–1949 the building has belonged to the Czechoslovak Hussite Church and functions as a church, not as a synagogue in the liturgical sense.

Who designed the building? The current 1904 structure was designed by architect Jakob Gartner, while its post-war conversion into a Hussite church was carried out to a design by Hubert Aust of Olomouc.

Can visitors see the interior? The interior has been adapted for the needs of the Hussite congregation and is mainly accessible during services or parish events — it isn't set up as a standard museum site.

Are there other traces of Jewish history in Prostějov? Yes, the town once had one of the larger Jewish communities in Moravia, a history documented in local materials and plaques around the centre, though many of the original sites no longer survive in their original form.