Cesky Krumlov Synagogue
The Synagogue in Cesky Krumlov was built at the turn of the 20th century, south of the historical center, under commission of Ignaz Spiro of the Jewish family Spiro. It was designed by architect Victor Kafka in Neo-Romanesque style, with Jugendstil influences. The building features an octagonal tower with a simple pyramid spire and colorful round windows decorated with the symbolic star of David, one such rose window above the entrance. The nave body features simple buttresses alternating with pointed arch windows. In the interior, the high aisle ends in a great arch niche with a blue background and the round stained glass star of David window. The synagogue is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped park.
During the Nazi intrusion in 1938, the building was plundered and later, in 1945, it was used as an interdenominational Christian church by American soldiers. The Coat of Arms on the wall of the prayer hall reminds of this period. Later, it served as chapel for the Czechoslovakian Hussite Church, then as a storage or repository for Cesky Krumlov's Baroque Theatre.
In 1997, the synagogue was rightfully returned to the Jewish Community of Prague.
In 1945 it was used as interdenominational Christian church for the American soldiers. From 1945 - 1968 the Czechoslovakian Hussite Church used the synagogue as their chapel. After 1968 the synagogue became a storage room, eventually housing a repository for unique properties of the Cesky Krumlov's Baroque Theatre.
Since 2006, there is a project for renovation of the Cesky Krumlov Synagogue, as well as its elevation to a functioning place of worship, also housing an exhibition space of the history of the Cesky Krumlov Jewish Community.
