Jewish Quarter and St Procopius' Basilica in Třebíč
Třebíč, Böhmisch-Mährische Höhe, Czechia
14.04.2023
The Jewish Quarter and St. Prokop Basilica in Třebíč, Czech Republic - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Jewish Quarter and St. Prokop Basilica in Třebíč, located in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands in the Czech Republic, is a unique and significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site is a testament to the coexistence of Jewish and Christian communities in Central Europe throughout centuries. Třebíč was once a thriving center of Jewish culture, with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The Jewish Quarter and St. Prokop Basilica are two major landmarks that showcase the unique cultural and architectural heritage of this town.
The Jewish Quarter is a well-preserved neighborhood that served as the center of Jewish life in Třebíč for centuries. It is home to a complex of over 120 buildings, including synagogues, schools, and houses, that reflect the diverse architectural styles of different eras. The most notable buildings in the Quarter are the Old Synagogue, the Rabbi's House, and the Jewish Ceremonial Hall, which are all open to the public as museums. These buildings offer a glimpse into the daily life, religious practices, and traditions of the Jewish community in Třebíč.
One of the most striking features of the Jewish Quarter is its layout, which is a result of a unique agreement between the Jewish and Christian communities in the 15th century. The Quarter is divided into two parts - the Jewish Quarter and the Christian Quarter - with a shared central square. This layout is a symbol of the peaceful coexistence and tolerance between the two communities.
The St. Prokop Basilica, located in the Christian Quarter, is a Romanesque-Gothic church that serves as a reminder of the Christian influence in Třebíč. It was built in the 13th century and is known for its beautiful frescoes, Gothic paintings, and Baroque altars. The Basilica is also home to a crypt containing the remains of the patron saint of Třebíč, St. Prokop.
The Jewish Quarter and St. Prokop Basilica in Třebíč were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, recognizing their cultural and historical significance. This site is a prime example of the successful coexistence of different religious and cultural communities and serves as a reminder of the importance of tolerance and understanding.
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The ensemble of the Jewish Quarter, the old Jewish cemetery and the Basilica of St Procopius in Třebíč are reminders of the co-existence of Jewish and Christian cultures from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The Jewish Quarter bears outstanding testimony to the different aspects of the life of this community. St Procopius' Basilica, built as part of the Benedictine monastery in the early 13th century, is a remarkable example of the influence of Western European architectural heritage in this region.
The Jewish Quarter of Třebíč (Czech: Židovská čtvrť v Třebíči) is a neighborhood and former ghetto in the town of Třebíč, located in western Moravia, Czech Republic. The Jewish Quarter is situated on the north bank of the River Jihlava and is one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. In 2003, together with the nearby Jewish Cemetery and the St. Procopius Basilica in Třebíč, the Jewish Quarter was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, because of its testimony to the exchange of cultures and values in the region. As of 2013, it is the only Jewish monument outside Israel specifically placed on the World Heritage List.
