Two Czech monuments added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites

The former Jewish quarter and the St. Procopius Basilica in the Moravian town of Trebic were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites on Thursday. The quarter and Basilica increased the total number of Czech monuments registered on the UNESCO list to twelve, with the Trebic Jewish quarter as the first Jewish monument outside of Israel to added to the list.

Two Czech monuments added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites

St. Procopius Basilica in Trebic, photo: CTK

The mayor of Trebic Milos Marek reacted with joy to the news that his town has become better known literally overnight for the cultural and historic heritage recognised by the prominent international institution. He announced further steps in preservation of those two monuments - symbols of both Christian and Jewish culture and coexistence in the region.

"It's really joy, it's really a joyful event, but it also means that we have to see what we should improve with the money we get."

The St. Procopious Basilica, consecrated in the 12th century, was the first religious facility built in the complex of Trebic Castle. According to experts, it is one of the best architectural works of medieval European art. The Basilica was built in a unique Romanic-Gothic style used at that time only in south-west France, and it is the only building in the complex of the castle that survived turbulent centuries of wars and destruction.

The first information about the autonomous Jewish community in Trebic dates from the 17th century, in documents mentioning the first mayor of the quarter and two aldermen. The Jewish quarter functioned as a separate unit within the town mainly populated by Christians, with its own school, synagogue, orphanage, tannery, and other facilities needed for everyday life. There are examples of Renaissance architecture of the unique cultural value within the quarter itself, but overall, as Michal Benes from the Culture Ministry says, the Ghetto is the only wholly preserved Jewish quarter outside of Israel.

Trebic - former Jewish quarter, photo: CTK

"The Jewish quarter in Trebic is the only one which has been wholly preserved, all others were destroyed during the war or industrialisation. The only exception is the Jewish quarter in Venice which has the same character as the town itself. In all other towns the ghetto consists of just one street, or just a couple of buildings. The Jewish quarter in Trebic is a complex of so-called public utilities, because it has its synagogue, tannery, etc."

Czech sites already listed by UNESCO include the historic centre of Prague, and the towns of Cesky Krumlov in southern Bohemia, Telc in southern Moravia, and Kutna Hora in central Bohemia. There is also the Villa Tugendhat in Brno as the only example of the 20th century modern architecture among the classic architectural monuments. The experts are also considering including the fortress at the former Terezin concentration camp. This year, a scientific report is also being prepared on the sandstone rock formations of the region called "Cesky raj" or "the Bohemian Paradise" in east Bohemia, which is the first Czech natural monument to be nominated for the UNESCO list.

Trebic is certainly proud to be on the list of protected world heritage. The town's official website offers a virtual tour through the historical centre at www.trebic-city.cz