The Jewish Quarter in Třebíč

Two synagogues, an old cemetery and narrow streets with a unique atmosphere - all this and much more can be discovered in the Jewish quarter in Třebíč, which is one of the best preserved and largest in Europe. Because of their cultural and historical significance, the houses of the former ghetto, together with the Jewish cemetery and St. Prokop's Basilica, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the first independent Jewish monument outside Israel.

From as early as the 12th century, Jews and Christians lived together in Třebíč for generations, creating this unique city together. To this day, an incredible 123 houses of different eras and styles have been preserved..

The secret of the largest Jewish quarter

The Jews in Třebíč were not allowed to live in the Christian parts of the city. That is why they settled on the left bank of the Jihlava (Hedgehog) River, where the Jewish quarter Zámostí was established. The Jews were thus spatially separated from their Christian neighbors for a long time. During the Second World War, most of the town's Jews perished in concentration camps and the Jewish community of Třebíč ceased to exist.

Today, there are over a hundred preserved buildings in the Jewish quarter, two synagogues, a Jewish town hall, the rabbi's house, as well as the poorhouse, a school and a hospital. Typical of the quarter are the narrow streets, passageways, porches and one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, where there is a special atmosphere because of the over two thousand superimposed and overlapping tombstones covered with moss. In the Rear Synagogue (Zadní synagoga), murals can be seen, as well as an exhibition explaining the history of the Jewish quarter. You can also learn how Jewish families live and explore the mystery of kosher dishes.

The Christian-influenced part of the city also has much to offer.

From Zámostí, the city center spreads out to the other side of the river. In the city center is the beautiful Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí) with its unmissable Renaissance house Malovaný dům with sgraffito decorations. The tourist information center is located here. On the grounds of the Třebíč chateau is the Romanesque St. Prokop's Basilica with a magnificent columned entrance and its semicircular portal, the „Gate to Paradise“ (Porta paradisi).

And what does the surrounding area offer?

Quite nearby is one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, Telč (Tel), with a picturesque marketplace lined with Renaissance houses. The town's market square and castle have also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Also highly recommended is a trip to Brno.