Perched on the Vltava river, Prague or Praha as it is called in Czech is a city with many monikers including the City of a Hundred Spires and the Rooftop of Europe. A key European city and the largest in the Czech Republic, Prague is an important economic, political and cultural centre. The capital of the landlocked Czech Republic, history has it that Prague dates back to the 9th century with its old town being a significant historical centre and a UNESCO world heritage site. If you are visiting Prague for the first time, there is never a dearth of interesting sights including the eclectic old town, the famous astronomical clock, the historic Charles bridge, the beautiful Prague castle and the quirky dancing tower.
Historic Quarter
If you are a history buff and are looking for an insightful way to spend your time in the city, then a visit to the Jewish quarter in Prague definitely forms for a compelling visit. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, this historic quarter is located between the Vltava River and the Old Town Square and is one of the most popular places to visit in Prague. Also known as Josefov, this one was home to one of the largest and oldest recorded Jewish communities in Europe; a quarter where Jews once lived and thrived but also faced several adversities in subsequent years. Behind the walls of this neighbourhood are several stories of lives well lived, of hope and also of pain and suffering.
The history of Jews in Prague dates back as early as the 10th century when they arrived in the city as traders. They were scattered all around the city but were ordered to move to the present-day Jewish quarter around the 13th century. They flourished until the 16th century in the region and during this time several synagogues and buildings like the Town Hall were built. The Jewish population also increased manifold during this time and the Jewish ghetto attracted Jewish refugees from other European nations too.
Multiple Attractions
While in the Jewish quarter, there are several points of interest including the Old-New synagogue, Maisel synagogue, Pinkas synagogue, the Spanish synagogue, the ceremonial hall and of course the old Jewish cemetery. An ideal way to start your exploration of this interesting quarter is by visiting the Old-New Synagogue which is the oldest site in the Jewish quarter and in fact the oldest synagogue in Europe. A classic gothic style structure built in 1270, this one was highly revered by the Jewish community in Prague and beyond. Legend has it that the synagogue was built using the foundation stones procured from the temple of Jerusalem on the condition that they will be returned once the temple is restored. A simple place of worship, the exterior of the Old-New synagogue stands out for its rectangular design and high saddle roof. The interior is plain and with the Torah scrolls installed in the mid part of the wall facing the East.
The Maisel synagogue dating to 1592 was founded by the then mayor of Prague Jewish Mordecai Maisel in the period which was known as the golden period for the Jews in Prague. The beautiful interiors of the synagogue house a permanent museum related to the Jews in the Bohemian Lands and covers their history from the 10th to the 18th century. Incidentally, Bohemia is now the region that includes central and western Czech Republic. On display are artefacts like items of worship, relics, Hebrew manuscripts and even ancient maps related to the Jews in Bohemia.
Unveiling Stories of the Past
The Pinkas Synagogue is again a historic site dating to the early 16th century. It was initially built as a private house of prayer for the family of Aaron Meshullam Horowitz. After the Nazis annexed Prague, this synagogue was vacated and converted into a warehouse for storing confiscated Jewish property. After the war, it was abandoned and since then has been gradually restored. In the mid-1900s it was converted into a memorial for more than 78,000 Jewish victims of The Shoah (Holocaust resulting in the Genocide of the European Jews in WWII). A solemn place that is a stark reminder of the atrocities faced by the community between 1939 and 1945.
The Spanish Synagogue built in 1868 is a stunning monument built in Moorish style and is replete with stained glass windows, a central dome and galleries on three sides with compelling displays related to Jewish history in Prague and the Czech Republic. The two storeyed building is inspired by Arabic art and architecture and the walls with exquisite goldwork and stucco arabesques are noteworthy.
The Jewish Cemetery is one of the oldest Jewish burial grounds and one of the most significant sites in the Prague Jewish Quarter. With over 12000 tombs placed cheek-by-jowl, this cemetery is one of the largest in Europe and houses the tombs of several renowned personalities of the local Jewish community. Incidentally, the earliest tomb dates to 1439. The ceremonial hall built in the Romanesque Revival architecture was used for the purpose of delivering the last service to the deceased members of the Jewish community. It is located next to the cemetery.
While here one can shop for Jewish souvenirs and also sample some classic Jewish cuisine. An unforgettable place that is sure to have a deep impact on visitors, Josefov is best explored on foot and is recommended to book your tickets in advance so that you can avoid long queues during the peak tourist season.
