The Prague’s Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a historic area that was once home to a large and vibrant Jewish community. The quarter dates back to the 13th century, when Jews were forced to live in a segregated ghetto surrounded by walls. Despite the hardships and persecutions they faced, the Jews of Prague preserved their culture and religion, leaving behind a rich legacy of synagogues, cemeteries, and monuments.
One of the main attractions of the Prague’s Jewish Quarter is the Jewish Museum, which consists of six synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Old Jewish Town Hall. The museum displays various artifacts and documents related to the history and traditions of the Jewish people in Prague. The most impressive synagogue is the Old New Synagogue, which is the oldest active synagogue in Europe and the legend says it houses the remains of the mythical Golem.
To visit the Prague’s Jewish Quarter, you need to buy a ticket that grants you access to all the museum sites except for the Old New Synagogue, which requires a separate ticket. The ticket prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the age of the visitor. You can buy tickets online or at the museum’s ticket offices. The museum sites are open every day except for Saturdays and Jewish holidays. The opening hours are from 9 am to 6 pm from April to October, and from 9 am to 4:30 pm from November to March.
The Jewish Quarter is located in the Old Town of Prague, between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. You can easily get there by walking from the Old Town Square or by taking public transport. The nearest metro station is Staroměstská on line A, and the nearest tram stop is Právnická fakulta on lines 17 and 18.
Some tips for visiting the Prague’s Jewish Quarter are:
- Plan your visit in advance and check the opening hours and days of each site.
- Book your tickets online to avoid queues and save money.
- Respect the rules and customs of each site, such as covering your head in synagogues and not taking photos in the cemetery.
- Hire a guide or join a tour to learn more about the history and significance of each site.
- Explore the surrounding area and discover other attractions such as the Rudolfinum, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Hall.
The Jewish Quarter is a fascinating place to visit in Prague, where you can learn about the past and present of a remarkable community that has contributed to the city’s culture and identity. It is also a place of memory and respect for those who suffered and died under oppression and violence. The Jewish Quarter is a must-see for anyone interested in Jewish history and culture.
Prohibitions for visiting the Prague’s Jewish Quarter are:
- Do not enter any site without a valid ticket.
- Do not touch or damage any exhibit or monument.
- Do not disturb or offend other visitors or staff.
- Do not litter or smoke in any site.
The Prague’s Jewish Quarter offers a lot to see and do for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the highlights are:
- The Old New Synagogue, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful synagogues in Europe.
- The Old Jewish Cemetery, which is a haunting and unique sight with thousands of gravestones piled on top of each other.
- The Pinkas Synagogue, which serves as a memorial for the victims of the Holocaust with their names inscribed on its walls.
- The Spanish Synagogue, which is a stunning example of Moorish-style architecture with ornate decorations and exhibits.
- The Maisel Synagogue, which showcases the history and achievements of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia.
