Few European cities can boast a better preserved Jewish Ghetto than Prague. Lying between the busy Old Time Square and the scenic Vltava River, the Old Jewish Quarter dates back to 1096. Visit the most important Jewish heritage sites and discover the turbulent past of Josefov (the Jewish Town). Immerse yourself in the history, culture and traditions of Jews in Prague.
The 2-hour walking tour will begin in front of the World of Franz Kafka, which is dedicated to the famous writer of Jewish origin. From there, your Private Guide will take you to the historic district where the Jewish population flourished from the early Middle Ages to the Nazi occupation of Czech Republic. You will see the historic Maisel Synagogue, where some 6,000 Jewish artefacts were stored by Nazi during WWII and the Pinkas Synagogue, which is a home to the Memorial of Holocaust Victims of Bohemia and Moravia with 77,297 names of the victims listed on the walls.
Other points of interest include the magnificent Rudolfinum and the beautiful Jewish Town Hall, which was built in 1586 to host meetings and events of the Jewish community. Nearby you will also find the oldest building in the Jewish Town, the Old-New Synagogue, and hear the Jewish-Czech legend of Golem, who is said to be hidden in the synagogue’s attic. You will also see the exterior of the Spanish Synagogue, a playful Franz Kafka Monument, as well as the House of Last Minute (a former Kafka residence) in the Old Town Square, near the iconic Astronomical Clock.
Choose the 3-hour option to visit the Spanish Synagogue with skip-the-line tickets and see its exhibit on the Jewish history from the 18th century Enlightenment period to the present day. It is a unique Moorish-style synagogue with arabesques, gilt and polychrome motifs and a dazzling combination of rich green, blue and red hues. It boasts a beautiful 19th century interior with a showpiece Torah ark.
The 4-hour option includes tickets to the Spanish Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery. The 15th century graveyard is a fascinating place to visit as its home to 12,000 tombstones, many of which are layered on top of each other due to the limited space. As one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the world it is a must-see Jewish heritage site.
Choose the 6-hour option to get the full experience of the Old Jewish Quarter. This option includes a walking tour with visits to the Spanish Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery, you will also visit the Old-New Synagogue on the prestigious Parizska street. Built in Gothic Cistercian style in 1270, it is one of Europe’s oldest synagogues still in use. Inside, you can admire the vaulted interior, naves, mediaeval furniture and the “Jewish Flag”.
