Mikulov will make the discovered Jewish bath accessible to tourists

Mikulov (Břeclavsko) - Mikulov in the Břeclav region will open a Jewish ritual bath from the 16th century, known as a mikvah, in the spring. It was discovered by chance in 2005 during excavation works in the city center. The town hall has wanted to turn it into a tourist attraction for years but has not secured funding for it. Therefore, it has now allocated 1.5 million crowns for this project from its own budget, said Mikulov mayor Rostislav Koštial to ČTK today.
    The Mikulov ritual bath was found during the construction of apartment buildings. The water reservoir was used by Jews for ritual purifying baths. Its discovery was indeed an extraordinary event, but when it came to its repair and accessibility, funds were lacking.
    The reservoir was therefore preserved by being filled with gravel. The city tried to obtain funding for its restoration but was unsuccessful. It is now being cleaned, and its surroundings will also be arranged, where the original masonry will be exposed. The space will only be accessible with a guide.
    Koštial admitted that this is the most economical option for the mikvah's renovation. A more generous plan for five million crowns included a roof over the mikvah, a small exhibition, and facilities so that the reservoir could again be used by Jews for its original purposes.
    "If we manage to find money from the budget or grants for this, we will eventually undertake this work," emphasized the mayor.
    Mikulov was one of the most significant Jewish centers in Moravia. The famous creator of the Golem, Rabbi Löw, even worked there. In addition to numerous landmarks, the city's current attraction also includes a Jewish cemetery with a small exhibition about the rituals associated with Jewish burial.