HUMPOLEC SYNAGOGUE

The first mention of Jewish settlement in Humpolec dates back to 1681. Their numbers gradually increased and they settled within the city. On the basis of the so-called Translocation Act of 1726, Jews had to move outside the central area of cities. A Jewish town was founded, centred around the future synagogue. In the second half of the 19th century there were several modifications undertaken in Neo-Gothic style. The main hall was rebuilt, including a new stage by the Aron ha-kodesh, and the women's gallery was also expanded. Unfortunately, the Jewish town and its synagogue burned down in 1886. Subsequently, according to the design of the builder Jan Martin, the building was restored, including an extension of the school.

During World War II the Jewish population was exterminated and the synagogue was abandoned and destroyed. In 1951 it was purchased by the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. During the course of the repairs, several significant discoveries were made. One of the largest, which is unparalleled in the Czech Republic and is completely unique among rural synagogues, is the discovery of the preserved original decoration from 1766. Biblical texts, plant motifs, lions, deer and other symbols once again decorate the walls of the main hall.

The synagogue has been a protected cultural monument since the year 2000.

Photo: city of Humpolec, archive of Vysočina Tourism