Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Could anyone argue if I called Prague an open-air museum? Hardly… For me, one of the most interesting places here is the Prague Jewish Quarter. You might often hear it referred to as Josefov, as it was named in honor of Emparor Joseph II, who granted equal rights to both Jews and Catholics.
The history of the Jewish Quarter began in the 13th century, and it has been a distinctive part of the city ever since. The unique architecture and the mix of various styles are captivating—in the Jewish Quarter, Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque, Art Nouveau, and other styles blend beautifully, making it a true treat for lovers of architecture and art. Today, the old synagogues are hidden behind modern buildings, yet they remain the true treasures of this district.
So, I invite you to take a stroll through this remarkable quarter in Prague, rich in unique architecture and steeped in deep history.
Jewish Quarter In Prague: What To See
Old New Synagogue
The Old New Synagogue dates back to 1270, making it the oldest in Europe. But why such a peculiar name? At first, people called it the New Synagogue. Later, as more synagogues appeared in Prague, the name shifted to the Old New Synagogue.
Even today, the synagogue remains an active place of worship and a key historical and cultural landmark, surrounded by many legends. Anyone interested in Jewish history should make a point to visit. Its striking Gothic architecture stands out both inside and out, offering a glimpse into centuries of tradition.
Tip and Opening Hours: The synagogue is usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. (exact hours depend on the season). It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. By the way, the opening hours of all the synagogues in this quarter are very similar, but it’s worth noting that they change slightly during the off-season.
Old Jewish Cemetery
The Old Jewish Cemetery holds great historical significance, not only for the Jewish community but for Prague as a whole. Founded in the mid-15th century, it remained in use for about three centuries and became the final resting place for around 100,000 people, including prominent rabbis, writers, and scholars.
Walking through the cemetery, you’ll notice tombstones of all kinds — from very modest to more elaborate, many decorated with symbols that reflect the lives or professions of the deceased, alongside Hebrew inscriptions. Because the site has stood for centuries, ongoing restoration work helps preserve it for future generations. Today, the Old Jewish Cemetery offers a peaceful place to pause and a powerful glimpse into Jewish history.
Opening Hours: The Old Jewish Cemetery can be visited from Sunday to Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Fridays until 2:00 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Accommodation: Here are all your hotel options in Prague.
Jewish Museum In Prague
The Jewish Museum, founded in 1906, houses one of the largest Judaica collections in the world. Its exhibitions showcase silver artifacts, textiles, about 100,000 books, and nearly 40,000 other items. As you walk through, you can explore ancient garments, photographs, manuscripts, and countless objects that bring centuries of Jewish history to life.
One of the most significant aspects for visitors here is the descriptions of Holocaust victims and the stories of those who survived this horrific ordeal. This unique museum provides a deep insight into the tragic history of Prague’s Jewish community and life during the Nazi occupation. Exhibitions are spread across the Jewish Quarter, including the Maisel, Pinkas, Klausen Synagogues, and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
Working Hours: The museum is open from Sunday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Opening hours may vary depending on the season, so I recommend checking the official website for up-to-date information before your visit.
Pinkas Synagogue
The Pinkas Synagogue, part of the Jewish Museum in Prague, was one of the most moving places I visited. Built in 1535, it later underwent restoration and, between 1955 and 1960, became a memorial to nearly 80,000 Jewish victims from Bohemia and Moravia who were murdered during World War II. Stepping inside, I felt overwhelmed by the sight of tens of thousands of names covering the walls — each one a reminder of a life lost.
On the first floor, I stopped at the exhibition of children’s drawings from the Terezín ghetto. The drawings felt both heartbreaking and incredibly powerful. The calm, almost sacred atmosphere made me slow down and reflect on Prague’s Jewish community and its tragic past in a way I’ll never forget.
Spanish Synagogue
The Spanish Synagogue, built in the Moorish style, quickly became one of my favorite spots in this quarter. Constructed in 1868, its oriental motifs feel unusual for Prague, and the golden details together with the stained glass windows make the interior truly beautiful. During World War II, the building was sadly used as a storage site for confiscated Jewish property. Today, as part of the Jewish Museum, it feels uplifting to see it hosting concerts and exhibitions.
Inside, I also took time to explore the exhibition on Jewish history in the 19th and 20th centuries. I especially enjoyed the collection of silver artifacts, including objects once used in religious rituals, which gave me a closer look at Jewish traditions.
Discover: Classical Concert in the Spanish Synagogue.
Museum of Alchemy
The Museum of Alchemy takes you into ancient cellars that resurfaced after Prague’s 2002 flood. Alchemists worked here as early as the 16th century. On the tour, you step into an alchemist’s laboratory and handle the kinds of tools they once relied on. You also walk through underground chambers where these early scientists carried out their experiments in tough conditions. The museum lets you travel back in time and feel the spirit of that era. Before you leave, you can pick up souvenirs — even elixirs based on centuries-old recipes.
Opening Hours: The museum is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Maisel Synagogue
Wealthy community leader Mordecai Maisel built this synagogue in 1592 as his private prayer house. Fires damaged it several times, and each reconstruction left its mark. Today, the Neo-Gothic style building welcomes visitors with both charm and history. Inside, an exhibition traces the earliest history of Jews in the Czech lands, from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. You’ll find historical documents, maps, artworks, textiles, relics, and much more.
Klausen Synagogue
Completed in 1694, the Klausen Synagogue immediately draws attention with its Baroque design. Beyond its architecture, it holds great historical and religious significance. You can admire the ornate interior and explore a collection that reflects Jewish customs, traditions, and faith. The exhibits include Torah scrolls, ceremonial garments, silver vessels, everyday objects, and other artifacts used in religious life.
Accommodation: Here are all your hotel options in Prague.
Ceremonial Hall
The Ceremonial Hall hosts a unique exhibition that highlights Jewish funeral traditions and the objects used during burials. Here you can learn about funeral symbols and rituals, with exhibits that focus on death and preparation for burial. Among the items on display are clothing details, funeral accessories, and combs once used to groom the deceased. The exhibition also includes paintings that reflect this somber theme.
Jerusalem Synagogue
The Jerusalem Synagogue, located just outside the Jewish Quarter, struck me as the most beautiful of all the synagogues I visited in Prague. Its colorful façade instantly caught my eye, and once inside I was amazed by the play of light on the stained-glass windows and the ornate details covering the walls.
This synagogue beautifully represents the Moorish and Art Nouveau styles, making it a standout in Prague’s architectural landscape. The design was created by one of the leading architects of the time. Since its construction, the synagogue has hosted services, with the exception of a few wartime years when it served as a storage space for confiscated Jewish property.
Statue of Franz Kafka
In Prague’s Jewish Quarter, near Kafka’s house, you’ll find a monument dedicated to him, created by Czech sculptor Jaroslav Rona. Artists unveiled the statue in 2003: it shows Kafka sitting on the shoulders of a headless figure. This modern bronze monument rises nearly 4 meters high and makes a striking impression.
Tips: My advice for those planning their time – while you can visit many of the famous sites in this quarter within half a day, I recommend taking more time. Explore the synagogues thoroughly, admire their stunning interiors, and visit the exhibitions. Dedicating a bit more of your travel time will help you fully experience this quarter.
Also read: What to See in Prague
How To Get To The Quarter By Public Transport
The Prague Jewish Quarter is located just a 5-minute walk from the Old Town Square, making it easily accessible from there. If you plan to reach the quarter by public transport, take the metro and get off at the Staromestska station (A Line).
You can also use bus routes 194 and 207, which stop at various locations within the Jewish Quarter, or if you prefer the tram, get off at the Pravnicka fakulta stop (Lines 17 and 93).
Best Time To Visit The Jewish Quarter
A visit to the Prague Jewish Quarter will be one of the most memorable parts of your trip to the Czech capital. To make the most of your visit, plan your trip during the cooler months. From April to June or September to November, the weather is milder, and the crowds are much smaller compared to the summer. If you do visit Prague in the summer, try to go to the Jewish Quarter early in the morning, as by midday, it will be crowded with tourists, large tour groups, and long lines.
Where To Stay In Jewish Quarter
There are many different types of hotels around Prague’s Old Town Square, so I’ve listed a few interesting options below, catering to various budgets.
Below, I’ve listed a few interesting hotel options for different budgets, so I hope you’ll find the best place to stay if you choose to stay in this area.
Budget Hotel
- Hotel “Palác U Kočků” by Adrez, Palace At the Cats, is located near the Prague Jewish Quarter. Guests can stay in rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
Mid-Range Hotel
- Myo Hotel Caruso – a hotel located right in the Prague Jewish Quarter, from which you can reach the main attractions on foot in just a few minutes. The colorful rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and private bathrooms.
Luxury Hotel
- The President – a luxurious 5-star hotel located close to the Jewish Quarter. The hotel offers top-class rooms, a wide range of services, and guests are welcomed with warm hospitality. It also has an indoor pool, a spa and wellness center, an exclusive restaurant, and a bar on the 6th floor, offering stunning views of Prague.
Also read: Guide to Old Town Square in Prague
FAQs About Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Why is the Jewish Quarter important?
The Prague Jewish Quarter is one of the oldest districts in the city, where Jews have lived since the 8th century. The quarter is most famous for its beautiful synagogues and ancient cemeteries.
Do you need tickets to the Jewish Quarter in Prague?
No, you can walk around the Prague Jewish Quarter for free. However, if you wish to visit the synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Ceremonial Hall, you will need to purchase a ticket.
How to enter the Jewish cemetery in Prague?
The entrance to the Old Jewish Cemetery is through the Pinkas Synagogue. Full address: Široká 3, 110 00 Josefov, Czech Republic.
What time does the Prague Jewish Quarter open?
Most of the attractions in the Prague Jewish Quarter, such as the museum, synagogues, and cemetery, are open to visitors every day, except on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How many synagogues are there in the Prague Jewish Quarter?
There are 6 synagogues preserved in the Prague Jewish Quarter to this day. (Maisel, Pinkas, Klausen, High, Spanish, and the Old New Synagogues.)
How many Jews live in the Jewish Quarter?
Currently, about 1,500 Jews live in the Prague Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov. It’s incredible yet sad to think that before the Second World War, more than 92,000 Jews lived in Prague. At that time, the city had one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, making up nearly 20 percent of its population.
What is the oldest active synagogue in Prague?
The Old New Synagogue in Josefov is not only the oldest functioning synagogue in Prague but also in all of Europe.
Book your flight
For the best flight deals, I always rely on Skyscanner. Features like Multi-city and Explore Everywhere help me uncover incredible travel opportunities.
Rent a car
Discovercars is my top choice for comparing car rental prices for any road trip around the world. The booking experience is always smooth and easy.
Travel insurance
SafetyWing provides affordable travel medical insurance with global coverage, perfect for digital nomads and long-term travelers.
Book Tours & Attractions
Experiencing a destination to the fullest is easier with a well-planned itinerary. I use GetYourGuide for guided tours and Tiqets for quick access to museum and amusement park tickets.
Protect yourself online by VPN
No matter where I go, I always use NordVPN for secure browsing and to ensure I can access websites that might be blocked in certain countries.
Disclosure: I only suggest companies that I personally rely on. If you use the affiliate links in my posts to book services, I’ll earn a small commission, with no extra cost to you.
Have you ever been to the Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov)? Share your favorite spot in the comments below!
Share on
A title
Image Box text
Hi, I’m Evelina, a travel enthusiast who loves nature, peace, and authentic places. I cherish the freedom to explore and learn with each adventure, whether it’s hiking trails, stunning beaches, natural parks, unique architecture, or rich cultural heritage. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own journeys!
