Prague
Prague's Jewish Heritage

The Old-New Synagogue in Prague

Discover one of Europe's most significant early-Gothic Jewish monuments.

HistoryArchitectureLocal heritage

The Old-New Synagogue in Prague is Europe's oldest active synagogue, built in the 13th century. It stands as a significant landmark of the Jewish Town, preserving centuries of history, architectural beauty, and intriguing legends, including the Golem.

Discover the Old-New Synagogue, Europe's oldest active synagogue, a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece and a pillar of Prague's Jewish heritage.

Old-New Synagogue
The Old-New Synagogue's Ancient Legacy

The Old-New Synagogue in Prague stands as Europe's most ancient extant synagogue, having continuously served its Jewish community for over 700 years. Constructed in the latter half of the 13th century, its distinctive Gothic architecture reflects the significant historical standing of Prague's Jewish population. This landmark is also steeped in enduring legends, from its foundation stones brought by angels to the famed Golem of Prague. It offers visitors a profound connection to centuries of faith and heritage.

The Old-New Synagogue in Prague with a stepped gable and arched windows, surrounded by colorful buildings.
Old-New Synagogue opening hours in Prague

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Old-New Synagogue. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Prague.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
09:00-17:00
09:00-17:00
09:00-17:00
09:00-17:00
09:00-17:00
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09:00-17:00
Old-New Synagogue Tickets

Admission to the Old-New Synagogue typically requires a purchased ticket, with general entry available for adults. Children under six years old are granted free entry. Reduced admission options are provided for children between the ages of six and fifteen, as well as for students. Additionally, the Old-New Synagogue offers group tickets and specific family ticket packages designed for various visitor compositions.

Adults
CZK 600.00
Children under 6
Free
Children aged 6-15 and students
CZK 400.00

Applicable for children aged 6-15 and students

Old-New Synagogue's Location in Prague

The Old-New Synagogue is situated at Maiselova 18 in Prague's historic Josefov neighborhood, also known as the Jewish Quarter. This central placement within the city's ancient Jewish Town highlights its significance as Europe's oldest active synagogue. Understanding its position helps visitors appreciate its rich heritage and plan their visit around other historic sites nearby.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Maiselova 18

110 00 Prague

Josefov, CZ

Visiting the Old-New Synagogue

To visit the Old-New Synagogue in Prague's Josefov neighborhood, please note that as of 2024, it is exclusively accessible as part of the Jewish Town circuit. Separate admission is no longer available for this historic site. The overall entrance fee for this circuit includes a tourist guide service upon request.

Visiting the Old-New Synagogue

Old-New Synagogue Visitor Experience

The Old-New Synagogue in Prague stands as Europe's oldest active synagogue, an early-Gothic monument from around 1270 that has continuously served the local Jewish community for over seven centuries. Visitors encounter a distinctive 13th-century Gothic architecture, crafted by royal stonemasons, which reflects the historical significance of Prague's Jewish community. Beyond its architectural marvel, the synagogue's interior offers a tangible connection to centuries of worship and communal life. A visit also unveils numerous compelling legends integral to its unique atmosphere, including tales of its miraculous preservation and the famed Golem of Prague, which is traditionally said to reside in its attic. This historic site offers a profound insight into a rich cultural past and enduring faith.

stone hallway with arched ceiling and wooden doors inside the Old-New Synagogue

History of the Old-New Synagogue

The Old-New Synagogue, a prominent landmark in Prague, boasts a rich history spanning over seven centuries. Completed around 1270, it stands as one of the city's earliest Gothic structures and holds the unique distinction as **Europe's oldest active synagogue**. Initially known as the New Synagogue, it adopted its current name after other synagogues were built in the 16th century. Its distinctive twin-nave design, possibly influenced by Christian monastic architecture, showcases unique vaulting and symbolic elements like twelve windows representing the tribes of Israel. The synagogue's endurance is notable, having been spared during World War II, a survival often attributed to various legends.

  • Old New Synagogue completed

    1270Founding

    The Old New Synagogue, a medieval synagogue in Prague, was completed in 1270. It is notable as Europe's oldest active synagogue and the oldest surviving medieval synagogue with a twin-nave design.

  • Gothic architectural style

    1270Architecture

    Completed in 1270, the Old New Synagogue is recognized as one of the earliest Gothic buildings in Prague. Its architectural style, particularly the twin-nave design, was likely influenced by Christian monastic and chapel plans.

  • Synagogue known as Old-New

    Overview

    The synagogue was initially named the New or Great Synagogue. It acquired the name Old-New Synagogue later, after newer synagogues were built in the 16th century. A legend suggests the name derives from Hebrew "al tnay" meaning 'on condition'.

  • Unique twin-nave design

    Architecture

    The interior features a distinctive double-nave system with six vaulted bays, a design likely adapted from Christian ecclesiastical architecture. This system, supported by two central pillars, has a unique vaulting pattern with five ribs per bay.

  • Symbolism in architectural details

    Cultural significance

    Architectural elements like the twelve vines and grape bunches on the tympanum and bimah, and the twelve narrow Gothic windows, are said to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The windows originally directed light towards the bimah.

  • Awarded a banner for defense of Prague

    Cultural significance

    In recognition of the Jewish community's services in defending Prague during the Thirty Years' War, Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor, awarded them their own banner. A modern reproduction of this banner, featuring a Star of David and a 'Jewish hat', is displayed inside.

  • Spared during Nazi era

    Overview

    Despite the destruction of other synagogues, the Old New Synagogue was spared by the Nazis during World War II. Legends recount a Nazi agent perishing mysteriously after entering the attic's genizah, contributing to the building's preservation.

  • Attic exploration during renovation

    1883Renovation

    A renovation in 1883 included an exploration of the attic, which is said to potentially house the body of the Golem of Prague. However, subsequent explorations, including one in August 2014, found no trace of a golem.

Your Old-New Synagogue Questions, Answered (and a few surprises!)

Even a synagogue as ancient as the Old-New Synagogue sparks some unexpected questions. For instance, did you know separate admission is no longer available? We've gathered answers to this and other essential queries about opening hours and how to best experience this historic Prague landmark.

Does the Old-New Synagogue have an email address for inquiries?

An official email address for the Old-New Synagogue is not provided in the available information.

What is the main phone number for the Old-New Synagogue?

A contact phone number for the Old-New Synagogue is not available in the current data.

How can I contact the Old-New Synagogue?

Current contact information for the Old-New Synagogue is not available from the provided data.

Are there any online contact methods for the Old-New Synagogue visitor services?

No specific online contact methods, such as a contact form or live chat for visitor services, are mentioned in the provided information for the Old-New Synagogue.

Practical Information for Visiting the Old-New Synagogue

When planning a visit to the Old-New Synagogue in Prague, it is important to note that separate admission to the synagogue is no longer available. The Old-New Synagogue is now exclusively part of the Jewish Town circuit. Access is included with the overall entrance fee for the circuit, which also features a tourist guide service upon request. This arrangement helps streamline your experience of the historic Jewish Quarter.

Old-New Synagogue Visitor Suitability

The Old-New Synagogue in Prague is particularly suited for visitors interested in history, medieval architecture, and Jewish heritage. Those exploring the rich past of the Josefov neighborhood will find a deep connection to centuries of communal life within this historic site. As the synagogue is visited as part of the broader Jewish Town circuit, guests should anticipate an experience integrated with other significant cultural locations. This approach offers a comprehensive understanding of Prague's Jewish history and architectural evolution.

Photos of the Old-New Synagogue

The photos of the Old-New Synagogue capture its distinctive early-Gothic architecture, showcasing both its exterior and interior. Visitors can view the synagogue's exterior with its stepped gable and arched windows, set amidst the surrounding buildings in Prague's Jewish Quarter. Inside, images feature vaulted stone ceilings, historic stone columns, ornate chandeliers, and the prominent Torah ark with Hebrew inscriptions, reflecting centuries of history and worship. These visuals offer a compelling glimpse into Europe's oldest active synagogue.

The Old-New Synagogue in Prague with a stepped gable and arched windows, surrounded by colorful buildings.
Interior of the Old-New Synagogue with chandeliers, arched ceilings, and a Torah ark
stone hallway with arched ceiling and wooden doors inside the Old-New Synagogue
close-up of a heavy metal door with a diamond-shaped grille and an arched stone entrance
The Old-New Synagogue with a stepped gable and red-tiled roof, adjacent to a clock tower, under a partly cloudy sky
Interior of the Old-New Synagogue with a Torah ark covered in blue velvet and a Star of David, chandeliers, and stone walls
rear view of the Old-New Synagogue with a steep gabled roof and circular windows
Interior of the Old-New Synagogue with vaulted ceilings, stone columns, and a red banner hanging from the ceiling
The Old-New Synagogue with a steep red-tiled roof and arched windows under a blue sky
Wooden lectern with a carved Star of David on its front panel
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