Brno renames street to U Synagogy to honor destroyed Great Synagogue

Spálená Street in Brno has been officially renamed to U Synagogy to honor the site of the city’s former Great Synagogue. The building was destroyed by Nazis during the occupation, and the site remained largely unacknowledged in the post-war era.

The renaming ceremony was part of the Štetl Fest, a celebration of Jewish culture. This year, archaeologists explored and reburied the foundations of the former synagogue. To further commemorate the history, organizers introduced a ‘poesiomat’—a sound installation featuring survivor testimonies, liturgical chants, and historical documents—as well as a literary almanac titled ‘Nenacházím žádné stopy’ featuring various authors.

Brno Mayor Markéta Vaňková noted that renaming an existing street is a rare and complex administrative process, thanking residents for their cooperation. Jáchym Kanarek, chairman of the Jewish Community of Brno, emphasized that the synagogue served as a vital center for religious and social life, acting as a house of gathering.