The Old-New Synagogue is the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe. It’s one of the earliest Gothic buildings in Prague, built in 1270.
The Pinkas Synagogue is the city’s second-oldest Jewish house of worship, dating back to the 1500s. It began as a private place of worship for the influential family, although it was later expanded to rival the Old-New Synagogue.
The Klausen Synagogue was founded in the 1690s. It sits on a site that was formerly occupied by a small Jewish school and prayer house (Klausen), in what was then a notorious red-light district of the Jewish Quarter.
The Spanish Synagogue got its name for its impressive Moorish interior design. It sits on the site of the city’s first synagogue, even though it is the most recent one, built in 1868.
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Maggie
This was such a fascinating article! How ironic that this neighborhood was preserved by Hitler so that it could be used as a museum. And I loved learning about the cemetery – that’s so many people buried in one place!! Eerie but fascinating
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comment Maggie! I am glad you enjoyed the article.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comment Indrani for stopping by.
Indrani
They have some very interesting statues! I remember the visit to the Old Jewish cemetery, very sad place. They didn’t allow photography of the artwork of the kids there, and I completely understand. One place I would want to visit again.
Delphine
I visited Prague just after the country opened to the West. It was wildly interesting… I remember wandering through the Old Jewish Cemetery and it was very moving, all these piled up graves with their little rocks wrapped in paper… It took me a while to understand the significance of the messages…
The.Holidaymaker
Wow, I bet you would have a different experience now. Unfortunately Prague has been overrun by tourists. I’m glad you enjoyed visiting the cemetery as I did. Moving experience.
Linda (LD Holland)
We had a tour guide in Prague and we learned a little about the Jewish Quarter. But your blog post provides so much more detailed information. We are sorry we missed the cemetery. It is fascinating to see the history from the tombstones. We saw so much art when we walked the streets. But I guess we somehow missed the statue of Kafka. An interesting one for sure.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comment Linda. I’m sorry that your tour didn’t provide you as much info as I shared. But hopefully it adds to your memories of your visit.
Emma Riggs
I actually didn’t realise that Jewish people were ordered to live in a certain area way back then. I’m fascinated with the odd beauty of the graveyard. I really love the ancient tombstones that are a bit skew-whiff and set amongst the green forest, which seems to be kind of taking over. How awful to think that Hitler preserved the area to showcase an ‘extinct race.’ Just wow…
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks for stopping by Emma, and for your thoughtful comment. This Quarter of Prague is such a historic and important part of our history and really a must-see when in the city.
Cosette
I loved Prague when I visited about 20 years ago, I took a tour of the historical quarter back then.
Karl
What a beautiful neighbourhood and some fascinating history! The photos really bring it to life!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Karl for stopping by and commenting. You are right, the perfect historic neighbourhood to stroll and learn.
Nadia
How Cool! We visited a Jewish historical area in Bologna, Italy. So amazing how history can be preserved in little areas like this around the world.
The.Holidaymaker
Definitely agree with you! Thanks for stopping by and commenting Nadia!
Maya
I love Prague! I actually took a tour around the Jewish Quarter and it was very interesting to learn about the community’s history. The area has such beautiful streets! Lovely post!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for stopping by Maya and for your comment. I would like to have taken a tour, I’m sure it was interesting.