What to See in Prague Jewish Quarter?

Nestled in the heart of Prague, the Jewish Quarter, or Josefov as it is locally known, stands as a testament to the resilience and rich heritage of the Jewish community that has been a part of the city for centuries. This historic enclave offers visitors a unique glimpse into the storied past of Prague's Jewish population, highlighting a complex tapestry of tragedy, triumph, and enduring spirit.

Once a walled ghetto, the Jewish Quarter has transformed over time into a significant cultural and historical hub. Its narrow streets and historic buildings tell stories of a community that, despite facing numerous adversities, contributed immensely to the cultural and economic fabric of Prague. Today, the Quarter not only serves as a memorial to a vibrant history but also as a destination for those seeking to understand the profound impact of Jewish culture in Central Europe.

Table of Contents

• History and Culture
• Key Historical Sites
• Jewish Museum and Other Museums
• The Old Jewish Cemetery

History and Culture

Early Beginnings and Medieval Times

The history of Jews in Prague dates back to the 10th century, with the first recorded presence of a Jewish community in the area. Over the centuries, this community faced numerous challenges, including expulsions and pogroms. Despite these adversities, they managed to establish a thriving enclave that would become one of Europe's most prominent Jewish neighborhoods.

During the medieval period, the Jewish Quarter, known then as the Prague Ghetto, was marked by its distinctive architecture and the establishment of synagogues which are among the oldest in Europe. This era saw the construction of the Old-New Synagogue, completed in 1270 and still in use today, making it the oldest active synagogue in Europe.

The Ghetto's Transformation in the 18th and 19th Centuries

In the 18th century, Emperor Joseph II enacted reforms that significantly impacted Jewish life, including the requirement for Jews to adopt family names and the abolition of the requirement to wear identifying badges. This period also saw the renaming of the Jewish Quarter to 'Josefov' in honor of the emperor. These changes marked the beginning of a more integrated existence for Prague's Jewish community, although many restrictions on their rights and freedoms remained.

The 19th century brought about significant modernization and assimilation among the Jewish population. Jews played crucial roles in the economic development of Prague, contributing to its transformation into a major European capital. The Jewish Quarter itself underwent vast architectural changes, most notably during the extensive urban renewal projects in the late 1800s which led to the demolition and reconstruction of large parts of the area, replacing the crowded medieval alleys with the stylish streets seen today.

20th Century: Turmoil and Revival

The 20th century was a turbulent time for the Jewish community in Prague. The horrors of World War II and the Holocaust led to the decimation of this vibrant community, with many of its members perishing in concentration camps. Post-war communist rule further suppressed Jewish cultural and religious life.

However, the fall of communism in 1989 marked a new beginning for Jewish cultural revival in Prague. The Jewish Quarter has since reclaimed its role as a major cultural and historical site, not only for those of Jewish heritage but also for international tourists interested in its rich history.

Cultural Legacy

Today, the Jewish Quarter of Prague is celebrated for its significant contributions to the cultural and intellectual life of the city. This includes the influential literary works of Franz Kafka, who drew inspiration from his experiences in Josefov. The area remains a vibrant hub of cultural activity, hosting numerous cultural events, exhibitions, and educational programs that honor the historical legacy and resilience of the Jewish community in Prague.

Key Historical Sites

1. Old-New Synagogue

The Old-New Synagogue, also known as Altneuschul, stands as the oldest active synagogue in Europe. Built in the early Gothic style around the late 13th century, it remains a pivotal site of Jewish worship and community life. The synagogue is famous for its beautiful vaulted ceilings and its storied Golem legend associated with Rabbi Loew, a prominent figure in Jewish mysticism and folklore.

• Location: Červená 2, 110 00 Josefov
• Hours of Operation: Sunday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Cost: Approximately 10 EUR for adults; reduced rates for children and students
• Features: This synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in Europe, featuring early Gothic architecture and a rich history connected to the legendary Golem of Prague.

2. Maisel Synagogue

Constructed in 1592 under the patronage of Mordechai Maisel, the mayor of the Jewish town, the Maisel Synagogue originally served as a private temple. Over the centuries, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times, most notably in the late 19th century in a Neo-Gothic style. Today, it houses part of the Jewish Museum's collection, showcasing artifacts that illustrate the history of Jews in the Bohemian lands.

• Location: Maiselova 10, 110 00 Josefov
• Hours of Operation: Sunday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket, around 15 EUR for a comprehensive ticket that covers multiple sites
• Features: Hosts an exhibition that tells the history of Jews in Bohemia up to the 18th century.

3. Spanish Synagogue

The Spanish Synagogue is named for its stunning Moorish interior design, inspired by the famous Alhambra. Built in 1868 on the site of the oldest Prague Jewish house of prayer ("The Old Shul"), it features a lavish interior with a golden and geometric motif, and it currently hosts exhibitions related to the modern history of the Czech Jews.

• Location: Vězeňská 141/1, 110 00 Josefov
• Hours of Operation: Sunday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays
• Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket, approximately 15 EUR
• Features: Known for its stunning Moorish Revival architecture and serves as a venue for exhibitions and concerts.

4. Pinkas Synagogue

Founded in 1479 and later remodeled in the 16th century, the Pinkas Synagogue is dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims from Bohemia and Moravia, whose names are inscribed on the walls of the synagogue—over 77,000 in total. It also serves as an exhibition space for children's drawings from the Terezin Concentration Camp.

• Location: Široká 23, 110 00 Josefov
• Hours of Operation: Sunday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays
• Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket, around 15 EUR
• Features: Serves as a Holocaust memorial with names of Czech Holocaust victims inscribed on the walls.

5. Klausen Synagogue and Ceremonial Hall

The Klausen Synagogue is the largest synagogue in the Jewish Quarter and was built in 1694 following a major fire in the ghetto. Adjacent to it is the Ceremonial Hall, built in the early 20th century. Both buildings are part of the Jewish Museum and display exhibitions related to Jewish customs and traditions.

6. Old Jewish Cemetery

One of the most significant historical sites in the Jewish Quarter is the Old Jewish Cemetery. Established in the 15th century, it served as the main burial site for Prague's Jews until 1787. The cemetery is known for its layers of graves stacked one atop another, sometimes as many as 12 layers deep, due to space constraints within the ghetto.

• Location: Široká, 110 00 Josefov
• Hours of Operation: Sunday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket, approximately 15 EUR
• Features: One of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, notable for its layered gravestones due to space constraints.

7. Jerusalem (Jubilee) Synagogue

Located outside the traditional boundaries of the Jewish Quarter, the Jerusalem Synagogue was built in 1906 to accommodate the overflow from other synagogues that were demolished during the urban renewal of the Jewish Quarter. Known also as the Jubilee Synagogue, it features an eclectic mix of Art Nouveau and Moorish styles, making it a visually striking landmark.

Jewish Museum and Other Museums

1. Jewish Museum in Prague

Founded in 1906, the Jewish Museum in Prague is one of the oldest and most visited Jewish museums in the world. Its collections are spread across several historical sites within the Jewish Quarter, including synagogues and the ceremonial hall. The museum's extensive holdings encompass a wide array of artifacts, religious objects, and artworks that illustrate the rich history and culture of Czech and Moravian Jews. Exhibitions cover various themes from daily life, religious practices, and the personal stories of community members, to the harrowing accounts of the Holocaust.

2. Museum of Alchemy

Located not far from the Jewish Quarter, the Museum of Alchemy introduces visitors to another facet of Prague’s esoteric history. This museum is situated in the old alchemist’s workshop, which according to legends, was visited by Emperor Rudolf II. The exhibitions delve into the secretive practices of alchemists in Prague, offering insights into their quests to find the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life, connecting the mystical with the historical ambiance of the city.

• Location: Jánský vršek 8, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia
• Hours of Operation: Daily, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Cost: Approximately 8 EUR for adults
• Features: Located in a historic building, this museum explores the mystical traditions of alchemy that flourished in Prague under Rudolf II.

3. Franz Kafka Museum

While not located within the Jewish Quarter, the Franz Kafka Museum is relevant for those interested in Prague's Jewish heritage due to Kafka's background as a prominent Jewish writer from Prague. The museum presents a detailed look at Kafka’s life, his relationship with the city, and his writings, which are profoundly influenced by his cultural heritage and the socio-political context of his time.

4. Additional Museums and Cultural Sites

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague: Offers collections of glass, graphic design, and decorative pieces that reflect the artistic contributions of the Jewish community to the broader cultural tapestry of Prague.

The National Gallery in Prague: While not exclusively focused on Jewish artists, it includes works by Jewish artists who have played significant roles in Czech and European art scenes.

The Old Jewish Cemetery

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague's Jewish Quarter is one of the most significant Jewish burial grounds in the world and serves as a poignant symbol of the perseverance and history of the Jewish community in Prague. Established in the early 15th century, it was in use until 1787, reflecting over three centuries of Jewish history in the heart of Europe.

Historical Context

The Old Jewish Cemetery was necessitated by the limited space allotted to the Jewish community in Prague. Due to restrictions imposed on Jewish burials, which confined them to a small area, the cemetery features layers upon layers of graves, sometimes stacked as many as twelve deep. This unusual practice arose from the need to optimize the limited space while respecting the Jewish burial tradition that prohibits the disturbance of graves.

Notable Graves

The cemetery houses the graves of many prominent figures in Jewish history, including Rabbi Loew (known as the Maharal of Prague), a legendary scholar and mystic said to have created the Golem of Prague. Another significant tomb belongs to Mordecai Maisel, the mayor of the Jewish Town and a great patron of the community, who funded many of the Quarter's synagogues and communal buildings. The tombstones, often Gothic in style, are adorned with intricate carvings that symbolize the deceased's family name or profession, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural life of the community.

Artistic and Cultural Significance

The Old Jewish Cemetery is not only a burial place but also an extraordinary archive of tombstone art and epitaphs that reflect the evolution of style, iconography, and Hebrew epigraphy over the centuries. The dense arrangement of tombstones creates a visually striking landscape that has captured the imagination of visitors, artists, and historians alike.

Preservation and Challenges

Maintaining the cemetery is a constant challenge due to its age and the delicate nature of the sandstone tombstones, which are susceptible to weathering. The Jewish Museum of Prague oversees its preservation, ensuring that the site remains a respectful memorial to those interred there and a place for educational and cultural reflection.

Visiting the Cemetery

For visitors, the Old Jewish Cemetery offers a profound connection to the historical experiences of the Jewish people in Prague. Walking through the cemetery, one is moved by the layers of history visible in the overlapping stones and inscriptions, each telling a story of life, legacy, and enduring memory. It stands as a central piece in the narrative of the Jewish Quarter, reminding us of the resilience and continuity of Jewish heritage against the backdrop of adversity and change.