Čkyně Synagogue
Visit one of the last village synagogues in the Czech Republic.
The Čkyně Synagogue dates back to 1828 and, together with the synagogue in Bechyně, is one of the oldest preserved Jewish sanctuaries in South Bohemia and one of the few surviving rural synagogues in the entire Czech Republic. It is a Neoclassical building, built in 1828 to replace the older community synagogue, which had been used as a barn since 1827. The synagogue offers visitors a rare and unique experience. It houses a historic Torah scroll, which survived the world wars packed in a box. This Torah is kept in the winter prayer room, where the original Torah ark also remains. In addition, restorers discovered remnants of a historical fresco – an illusionistic altar.
A small group of enthusiasts refused to accept the deterioration of this protected historic building and, over two decades, gradually worked to save the dilapidated synagogue. In 2010, funding from the European Union enabled an intensive restoration effort, culminating in the full revitalization of the building in 2013. Today, the building serves as the headquarters and main focus of the operating society.
The project attracted new members, and the original group of fewer than five people has since grown to about 15.
Opening hours:
Open daily except Monday: 9:00 – 11:30 and 13:00 – 15:30
Contact:
Čkyně Synagogue
Záhoříčko 15, 384 81 Čkyně
Tel.: +420 388 320 295
Email: synagoga-ckyne@seznam.cz
www.synagoga-ckyne.cz