The synagogue in Žatec will be repaired in a few weeks; it will open next year

Žatec – Visitors will have to wait until next year for a tour of the Žatec synagogue and rabbi’s residence, even though the renovation of this significant monument will be completed in a few weeks. Additional time will be needed for the preparation of exhibitions, one of which will be in the rabbi’s residence and will focus on the history of Jews in the Žatec region. The synagogue will feature an exhibition of tapestries. This was stated by the project investor, Daniel Černý.

Upon entering the synagogue, many will be drawn to the glazed remnants of the original balcony that was replaced by an all-metal structure. Černý noted that they agreed with heritage officials to faithfully preserve the exterior, while the interior appears more modern. "We have old photographs of the original paintings, but unfortunately, there wasn't enough money left for that. The synagogue will be clean inside, more modern, and adapted for hosting any concerts, exhibitions, or screenings,” the investor outlined the future use of the monument. The history is also commemorated by ornamental stained glass windows. The Gothic cellar beneath the rabbi's residence has also been preserved, where kosher wine tastings could be held in the future.

The owner is convinced that the renovated synagogue will attract tourists from abroad as well. Even when he bought the synagogue, which was still in a deplorable state at the time, it was also noticed by foreign visitors. "I opened it and showed them around. If there are no issues like COVID and war, I think there will be interest. Žatec is like the Český Krumlov of Northern Bohemia,” stated Černý.

The second-largest preserved Jewish building in the Czech Republic, after the synagogue in Plzeň, was purchased by Černý in 2013 for a starting price of 3.6 million crowns. He bought it at an auction from the city, which had no use for it. The renovation of the monument began in 2019, thanks to a European grant from the IROP program for the preservation of monuments. The total costs for construction and equipment are estimated at 55 million crowns excluding VAT, with the European grant covering about 47 million. Private donors and companies also contribute.

A unique feature of the building is, among other things, a cement replica of hexagonal tiles. "There is no mold made for this format, so we produced standard square tiles that we then had to cut manually," explained the project manager Daniel Lipert from Metrostav. This involved about 1,000 tiles. The craftsmen still have to finish the flooring with grouting.

The most complicated aspect of the renovation was revealed to the builders at the very beginning when they got to the ruins of the rabbi's residence. The collapsed ceilings endangered the workers, so the building had to be secured to prevent any injuries. The company is now looking forward to the completion of the construction work. According to Lipert, it should be finished by the end of August. After that, the owner will inspect the work, and the craftsmen will have time to address any deficiencies.

The Žatec synagogue, with its unusual Moorish architecture, dates back to 1872 and is considered one of the unique buildings of its kind. The synagogue is one of four monuments in Žatec being restored due to the city's candidacy for the UNESCO World Heritage List.