How to visit Josefov, the Jewish Quarter of Prague, its synagogues and cemetery

One of the most interesting visits What you can do on your tourism trip to the capital of the Czech Republic is Jewish quarter, which is known by the name of Josefov.

El Jewish quarter de Prague It has its origins in the 10th century and is located very close to the center Town Hall Square, the main one in the city, in the historic area known as Stare Mesto.

Next I am going to give you some tips for you visit of the Josefov Jewish neighborhood. whose visits to make are in the so-called Jewish museum in Prague.

What to see in Josefov, the Jewish Quarter of Prague

At the outset I will tell you that the old Jewish Cemetery It is the nerve center of the neighborhood, and from there begins the sightseeing tour which includes the visit to several synagoguess.

El Jewish cementary It is located in a wooded environment that is currently surrounded by homes.

In the cemetery there are more than 11.000 graves that due to lack of space have been piling up over the years, since the tombs and graves are located in a chaotic manner.

Which synagogues to visit in Prague Jewish Quarter

During your walk through the Jewish Quarter, you will have the chance to visit up to four synagogues.

Prague Old New Staronova Synagogue

Among them stands out the Synagogue Old New: Staronova.

It is the oldest synagogue in Europe among those still active for worship.

Built in 1270, its name Synagogue Old New This is because it was originally called New Synagogue, until another was later built in the same Jewish Quarter, so the Staronova Synagogue was renamed the Old New.

Externally, the building is very austere, a mix between Romanesque and Gothic, and with a rustic appearance.

This building has survived several fires throughout history, but it is inside where you will find its greatest attraction.

La Staronova Synagogue It is also one of the oldest buildings of Gothic architecture in Prague.

As you enter the synagogue, notice its nice porch with a 13th century relief decorated with bunches of grapes and vines.

On the interior visit you will see two naves with three vaults each, where you will find the most outstanding elements. Look at the beautiful five-ribbed vaults.

You can also see a historical flag of Prague Jews, from the 14th century, with the star of David in the center, as well as the Low Rabbi Chair, from the XNUMXth century, and the ark, the place where the rolls of the Torah.

Spanish Synagogue in Prague

Other Most notable synagogue in Prague is Spanish, next to which is the sculpture Memorial to Franz Kafka.

This is the name of a large building, which after Its last restoration dates back to 1868., which shows us a spectacular decoration of Moorish style.

The architectural beauty of this historic jewish synagogue It is not found on its exterior, which is rather austere.

It is inside where we will be surprised by its ornate decoration and its style, an unmistakable style that reminds us of many medieval buildings in Spain.

La Spanish Synagogue that you can see in the neighborhood where you can also visit the old Jewish cementary, occupies the place where the city's first synagogue was established, in the 12th century, and which was known as Old School.

The denomination of Spanish Synagogue comes from the 16th century, when Prague a community of sephardic who was fleeing from the Spanish Inquisition.

After several fires, as I have mentioned, the last reconstruction of the Spanish Synagogue in Prague It was built in 1868, although the interior decoration was not completed until 1893.

You should also know that, following the tradition that exists throughout the city of Prague, in the Spanish Synagogue are also held periodically classical music concerts, being a truly recommended setting to enjoy one of these concerts.

Finally, it is also worth highlighting the Pinkas Synagogue Built in 1535 on Romanesque remains, which has now become a memorial to the 77.000 victims of Nazism in Bohemia.

Visiting times for the Jewish Museum in Prague

As we have mentioned, the visits to be made are included within the Jewish museum in Prague.

In this way, the complete tour of the synagogues and cemetery of the Jewish Quarter of Prague integrated into said museum lasts about two hours.

Here you can consult the ticket prices to visit the Jewish Museum in Prague, with different combinations of visits that include the old Jewish cemetery, the ceremonial hall, and the synagogues Maisel, Spanish, Pinkas, Klaus and Old New.

You cannot take photos except in the Jewish cementary, yes, paying 50 CZ for the corresponding permit.