
Upper Synangogue - Mikulov, Czech Republic
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GT.US
N 48° 48.475 E 016° 38.145
33U E 620100 N 5407393
This temple represents the last surviving Temple of the Polish type in the Czech Republic. It is currently used as a museum and a community center.
Waymark Code: WM7DG6
Location: Jihomoravský kraj, Czechia
Date Posted: 10/09/2009
Views: 129
The onsite historical marker says:
"UPPER SYNANOGUE
Also called the Altschul, original structure from 1550, expanded 1689, and rebuilt after the fire 1719-23 (probibly with the participation of architect Ch. A. Oedtl) with a new Bavarian layout, where four coupelas were vaulted into a four columned pillar in the middle of the hall, forming the pulpet or almenor. Today it represents the last surviving temple of the Polish or Lwow type in the country. The tabernacle was the work of sculture I. Lengelacher. The ceiling vaultsa are now decorated with stucco, but originally had Hebrew literigical texts. The synanogue underwent renovation in 1977-89 as a venue for cultural events. Cultural monument. "
The Jewish Discoveries Webiste at (
visit link) has nice photos of the interior, and tells us this (in part):
"What makes a visit to Mikulov so interesting is the restored Upper Synagogue, which is today a museum and a cultural center. Originally built in 1550 and since partially destroyed by two fires, the synagogue survived the Nazi occupation – it was used as a storage hall – and was restored and re-opened in 1995.
A solid two-storey building dominated by high vaulted roof and a cupola, the centerpiece of the synagogue is a four-column bimah in middle of the floor, facing the gilded arc. The marble columns are crowned by Corinthian capitals and supporting the baroque arches of the cupola. The stucco walls of the synagogue are painted with Hebrew inscriptions, floral and ornamental motifs, and other symbols.
On the second floor, where the women would sit, there is now a museum, documenting history of the synagogue and Jewish community of Mikulov, as well as numerous liturgical artifacts and Judaica which were brought from Prague."
The link below is the Google translation of this (
visit link) page: