Monument to Karel Poláček Rychnov nad Kněžnou

In 1892, Karel Poláček (1892 - 1945), a future writer and journalist, author of the book There were five of us, was born to one of the local Jewish families. The work of Karel Poláček is one of the most important ever created between the two world wars. In most cases, in his novels, Karel Poláček captures tragicomic images of small-town life.

The exposition of Judaism in Rychnov nad Kněžnou acquaints visitors with traces of the existence of Jews in Podorlicko.

About the synagogue

The Jewish synagogue in Rychnov nad Kněžnou, built between 1781 and 1782, underwent Classicist alterations in 1830. Originally there was an older synagogue on this site, built in the 17th century and destroyed by fire.

The fire also destroyed this synagogue in 1830. Subsequently, it was reconstructed in the Classicist style. Further repairs followed in 1898 and 1913, when the interior was modernized, the windows were widened and a staircase leading to the women's gallery was added.

During the Second World War, the synagogue was devastated and after the war it was used as a warehouse. The reconstruction took place between 1993 and 1995.

The exhibition can be visited between May and October from 9 am to 5 pm except for a lunch break, which lasts from 12 noon to 1 pm.

How to get here?

The synagogue can be found directly in the town of Rychnov nad Kněžnou in Palackého Street. The train station is about half a kilometer away and the bus stop is barely 300 meters away. If you go here by car, it is possible to park it in the paid parking lot near the synagogue.

TIP: Another interesting place to visit is the Jewish cemetery with a chapel. Both are located on a hill directly opposite the historic center of Rychnov nad Kněžnou.

Author: Andrea Štyndlová