Synagogue in Čáslav

The Synagogue in Čáslav is one of the best-preserved pieces of Jewish heritage in the Kutná Hora region, standing out among the town's buildings thanks to its distinctive Moorish-style architecture. Located in Čáslav, a small town east of Prague known for its historic center and the Gothic Church of St. Peter and Paul, the synagogue adds an important Jewish-history layer to any visit to the town.

When was the synagogue in Čáslav built?

The current building dates to 1899, replacing an older prayer hall first mentioned before the mid-19th century. Remarkably, the entire structure was completed in just six months. The design came from Viennese architect Wilhelm Stiassny, who also designed several other synagogues across Central Europe, including the Jubilee Synagogue in Prague. The actual construction work was carried out by local builder František Skřivánek.

What architectural style does the building represent?

The synagogue was built in the Moorish style, a popular choice for 19th-century synagogue architecture across Central Europe. A defining feature of the facade is the tall horseshoe arch above the central portal, a motif clearly drawing on Islamic architecture from Spain and North Africa. Inside, a painted coffered ceiling remains one of the most valuable surviving decorative elements.

What was the history of the local Jewish community?

The modern history of Čáslav's Jewish community begins in the mid-19th century. Toward the end of that century, the town's Jewish inhabitants experienced a period of social and cultural flourishing, a period that culminated in the construction of this grand new synagogue at the turn of the century. The building served its religious congregation until 1941.

What happened to the synagogue after the war?

In 1941 the synagogue was closed, like other Jewish houses of prayer in territories occupied by Nazi Germany. After the war, the building lost its original religious function: it first served as a warehouse for the Kosmos factories, and from 1970, after modifications, functioned as a storage depository for the town's art gallery. It was only in 1994 that the building was returned to the Jewish community as part of postwar restitution.

Can the synagogue be visited today?

Yes. Following years of efforts to secure a comprehensive restoration, interior repairs were completed in April 2022, and the synagogue opened to the public in June 2022. This marked the first thorough restoration of the building since its construction at the turn of the 20th century. Visitors today can see the restored interior, including the distinctive coffered ceiling, and learn about the history of one of the lesser-known yet architecturally exceptional synagogues in the Czech Republic.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the synagogue in Čáslav? The building was designed by Viennese architect Wilhelm Stiassny, who also created the Jubilee Synagogue in Prague, among others.

In what style was the synagogue built? In the Moorish style, featuring a distinctive horseshoe arch above the entrance and a painted coffered ceiling inside.

Does the synagogue still serve a religious function? No, the building is now a heritage site open to visitors, following a restoration completed in 2022.

When was the building returned to the Jewish community? In 1994, as part of postwar property restitution.