Kolin & Kutna Hora
Kolín was second only to Prague for its importance as a Bohemian Jewish center. Remains of the former Ghetto-Wall, the original houses and synagogue (with its unique Oppenheimer Ark) are still visible. The tour continues to the beautiful silver-mining town of Kutná Hora, the coin-minting center of the Czech Kings with an amazing visit to a church furnished in human bones!
Some of the sites you'll visit...
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Synagogue of Kolin
The church of saint Barbara
Saint Barbara is the protector of Miners and the church is one of the most amazing sites in our country.
Bone church
An ossuary in the form of a church decorations located in the suburbs of Kutna Hora. See the coat of arms, altar or chandelier all made out of human bones.
Historical background
Historically there was no Jewish population living in Kutna Hora as it was permitted for the Jews to live in silver mining cities. They could only come during the days for the markets, but they were never allowed to stay overnight and that is the reason why they settled in Kolin. The Synagogue of Kutna Hora was built only after the anti-habsburg revolution in 1845. This was the first time Jews could also settle there.
Historical Kolin is literally divided into two parts – the Jewish and the Gentile. The boarder between the two comunities was formed by one of the main streets leading to the central square market. Both of the sites are extremly interesting and worth to visit.
Facts, Myths and FAQs
3000 Jews were deported by the Nazis to a totally unknown destination and we have no records about them! Only 40 Jewish people from that particularly transport were (for not clear reasons) sent to Terezin. Kolin was on the main path between Prague and Krakow.
When the Jewish town of Kolin was in the process of restoration, under every doorstep or windows were found broken poultry bones as the local Jewry was influenced by all kinds of Polish minhagim. "A dybuk can not cross over anything shark"….so rich Jews would use broken pottery and the others broken poultry bones.
Kolin is frequently visited by British and Ametican Jews for the local Torahs that are nowadays serving in several British and American congregations.
