Overview of the Jewish Quarter Landmarks

The Jewish Quarter, or Josefov, is a small but powerful area. It sits right in the heart of the Old Town. For centuries, this was the only place Jewish people could live. Today, it serves as a living museum. Most of the sites are managed by the Jewish Museum in Prague. You can visit several synagogues and the famous cemetery with one ticket. This makes it easy to see everything in one afternoon.

Visiting these sites is a great way to understand local culture. The official tourism board offers many resources for history lovers. You will learn about the community's joys and struggles. The buildings range from Gothic to Moorish styles. Each one has a unique story to tell. Planning ahead is key to enjoying your visit without stress. You should check the combined ticket for Jewish Museum Prague to save time.

10 Must-See Sites in the Jewish Quarter

There are many things to see in Josefov. Here are the top 10 items you should not miss. These include specific synagogues, galleries, and the cemetery itself. Each location offers a different perspective on the past.

1. Name: Old Jewish Cemetery Type: sight Why go: It is one of the oldest surviving Jewish burial grounds in the world. Best for: History enthusiasts and photographers. Where: Široká Street. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Included in museum pass. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro. Tip: Look for the small pebbles left on graves as a sign of respect.
2. Name: Pinkas Synagogue Type: experience Why go: It serves as a powerful memorial to Holocaust victims. Best for: Reflection and education. Where: Near the cemetery entrance. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Museum pass. Getting there: Same as cemetery. Tip: View the Pinkas Synagogue and Terezin children memorial drawings upstairs.
3. Name: Old-New Synagogue Type: sight Why go: This is Europe's oldest active synagogue. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Červená Street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Separate ticket or add-on. Getting there: Center of Josefov. Tip: Legend says the Golem of Prague rests in the attic.
4. Name: Spanish Synagogue Type: sight Why go: It features stunning Moorish-style gold interiors. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Vězeňská Street. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Museum pass. Getting there: Short walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Attend an evening classical concert here for the acoustics.
5. Name: Maisel Synagogue Type: museum Why go: It houses a large collection of silver and historical artifacts. Best for: Learning about Jewish traditions. Where: Maiselova Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Museum pass. Getting there: Near Staroměstská. Tip: Use the interactive touchscreens to see old maps of the ghetto.
6. Name: Klausen Synagogue Type: museum Why go: It is the largest synagogue in the former ghetto. Best for: Understanding religious customs. Where: Next to the cemetery exit. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Museum pass. Getting there: Adjacent to the cemetery. Tip: The exhibition focuses on Jewish holidays and life cycles.
7. Name: Ceremonial Hall Type: sight Why go: A beautiful Romanesque-style building once used by the Burial Society. Best for: History buffs. Where: Next to Klausen Synagogue. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Museum pass. Getting there: Follow the cemetery exit path. Tip: Notice the detailed paintings of burial rituals.
8. Name: Robert Guttmann Gallery Type: experience Why go: It displays works by local Jewish artists. Best for: Art fans seeking something unique. Where: Behind the Spanish Synagogue. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Museum pass. Getting there: Near the Spanish Synagogue. Tip: The exhibits change often, so check the current artist.
9. Name: Josefov Streets Type: neighborhood Why go: To soak in the atmosphere of the old ghetto. Best for: Casual walking. Where: The entire district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro line A. Tip: Visit the Prague tourism site for a free walking map.
10. Name: St. Agnes Convent Type: day trip Why go: A beautiful Gothic complex located just on the edge of the quarter. Best for: Peaceful exploration. Where: U Milosrdných. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the Spanish Synagogue. Tip: The gardens are free to enter and very quiet.

The History of the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague

The history of the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague began in the early 15th century. The oldest tombstone dates back to 1439. For over 300 years, this was the only place Jews could be buried. Because space was limited, the community had to get creative. They added layers of earth over existing graves to make room. This happened many times over the centuries.

Today, there are about 12,000 visible tombstones. However, experts believe over 100,000 people are buried here. This layering created the uneven, hilly ground you see now. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage location. It is a silent witness to the long presence of the Jewish community in Prague. You can see the evolution of burial art on the stones.

Many famous figures rest in this ground. The most famous is Rabbi Loew, the legendary creator of the Golem. People still leave small notes with wishes on his grave. You will also find the grave of Mordechai Maisel. He was a wealthy mayor who helped build the quarter. Each stone tells a story of a life lived in the ghetto.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Visiting the Jewish Quarter requires some planning. Most sites are closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. It is best to arrive early in the morning. This helps you avoid the largest tour groups. The area is very walkable, so wear comfortable shoes. You can buy tickets at any of the museum's synagogues.

Respect is very important when visiting. Men may be asked to wear a kippah in certain areas. These are usually provided at the entrance. Photography is allowed in some places but not all. Always check the signs before taking pictures. Most visitors spend about three to four hours in the district. This gives you enough time to see the main synagogues and the cemetery.