The Upper Synagogue in Mikulov

The original construction of the Upper or Old Synagogue dates to 1550, when a Renaissance style building was erected on the spot where a previous synagogue had been knocked down. It acquired its present, Baroque form when it was rebuilt following a fire in 1719. During that reconstruction four Corinthian columns were erected in the middle of the prayer hall, connected to one another by small semi-circular arcades with a cross-vault in the middle. This brought the synagogue closer to the Eastern style and gave it its uniqueness from today’s perspective. The last services were held there in 1938. Subsequently the interior fittings were either destroyed or removed. After the war the synagogue was used as a store before undergoing a crass renovation in the 1970s and 1980s that played down its religious character. A thoroughgoing renovation returning its original look and decoration was carried out between 2011 and 2014 as part of the Revitalisation of Jewish Landmarks – 10 Stars project financed from European funds. Nowadays it is occasionally used for services by the Federation of Jewish Communities. Most of the time, however, it serves as an exhibition space for the Mikulov Regional Museum. There is also a plaque in honour of martyred Jews.