The archaeological survey at the site of the Great Synagogue in Brno will begin in March

synagogue

Brno - The archaeological survey at the site of the former synagogue at the corner of Přízova and Spálená streets in Brno will kick off this year's events commemorating the building destroyed by the Nazis in 1939. During today's signing of a memorandum on cooperation, representatives of the region, the Brno Jewish community, and archaeologists told journalists.

"Given that no furnishings were removed from the building before the fire, we expect to find not only the exact floor plan of the building but also its parts, albeit damaged by fire. We hope to discover some architectural elements of the building," said Michal Přichystal, director of the Institute of Archaeological Heritage Care in Brno, which will conduct the survey.

Přichystal added that the situation is quite unique, as no construction has taken place at the site of the synagogue since its burning. The surface is now covered with concrete panels and the vacant lot serves as a provisional parking lot.

"This project is very sensitive and significant for us. After the war, the adjacent street briefly returned to its original name 'U Synagogy,' but in 1946 it was renamed Spálená, which is not ideal and does not reflect the importance of the place. Today, at a time when antisemitism is again on the rise, we find it important to return to this site and openly name its story," stated Jáchym Kanarek, chairman of the Brno Jewish Community.

The archaeological survey, permitted by the current landowner Brno Property Development, will begin in March, with archaeologists planning to present their findings in May. The Center for Jewish Culture Štetl will organize guided tours at the research site from March to June.

For four days in August, the area will come alive with the Štetl Fest Jewish Culture Festival, and a poesiomat is expected to become a permanent reminder of the synagogue at the site.

The Great Synagogue was built between 1853 and 1855 according to the designs of Austrian architects Johann Roman and August Schwendenwein. It was destroyed by the Nazis in 1939.