The Jewish community in Mikulov, Czech Republic originated in the 15th century when Jews expelled from Vienna and parts of Austria settled there. Another influx of Jews came after expulsions from nearby Moravian towns. The Jews established their own quarter in Mikulov and were granted self-government and privileges in 1591. By the 16th century, Mikulov had become one of the largest Jewish communities in Moravia and was an important spiritual center for Judaism in the region.

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Old painting showing the inside of the temple

2. The origin of the Jewish community in Mikulov can be dated with the
period after 1421, when Jews were expelled by Duke Albrecht V.
Habsburg from Vienna and Lower Austria and part of them found
refuge in the nearby Mikulov. Another inflow came after the Jews
were expelled from Moravian towns, mainly from Brno and Znojmo.
The members of this minority, disdained in the Middle Ages, settled in
the Za hradem street, in the beginning next to the surrounding
Christian houses. Later they purchased them and a separate Jewish
quarter came to existence. The right to self government and other
privileges were granted to the Mikulov Jews as late as in 1591 by
Maxmilian of Dietrichstein.
The Mikulov Jewish community soon became one of the largest in
Moravia and that is why the institution of the Moravian Regional
Rabbi was situated there before mid 16th century. The Rabbi was
seated in Mikulov till 1851. Mikulov was also a major spiritual centre
of Jewishness and Jewish religion. The Jews made up their living by
small trades and crafts since 17th and 18th centuries.
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Blue painting of the roof is missing

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Funeral parlour of the cemetry

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TThhee EEnndd 21