Top Sights: Pinkas Synagogue and Terezin Children Memorial

The Pinkas Synagogue is the second oldest surviving synagogue in Prague. It was founded in 1535 by the Horowitz family. Today, it stands as a memorial to the victims of the Shoah. The walls are covered with the names of nearly 80,000 people. These individuals were from Bohemia and Moravia. Seeing the names hand-painted on the walls is a somber experience. It reminds us of the scale of the tragedy.

Upstairs, you will find the most touching part of the museum. The Terezin children memorial displays drawings made by kids in the ghetto. These children were held in the Terezín concentration camp during World War II. Their art shows their dreams, fears, and daily lives. Most of these young artists did not survive the war. Their work remains a testament to their spirit and creativity.

1. Name: Pinkas Synagogue Memorial Type: sight Why go: To see the 80,000 names of Holocaust victims hand-painted on the walls. Best for: History buffs and those paying respects. Where: Josefov (Jewish Quarter). Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in the museum circuit ticket. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square or take Metro Line A to Staroměstská. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the floors are historic and uneven.
2. Name: Terezin Children Memorial Type: experience Why go: To view the heartbreaking and hopeful drawings made by children in the ghetto. Best for: Families and students. Where: Second floor of the Pinkas Synagogue. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in the synagogue entry. Getting there: Internal stairs within Pinkas Synagogue. Tip: Bring tissues; the exhibit is very emotional.
3. Name: Old Jewish Cemetery Type: sight Why go: It is one of the oldest and most famous Jewish burial grounds in Europe. Best for: Photographers and history lovers. Where: Entry is through Pinkas Synagogue. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in the combined ticket for Jewish Museum Prague. Getting there: Exit of the Pinkas Synagogue leads directly here. Tip: Learn about the history of the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague before you go to understand the layered graves.

Exploring More Jewish Quarter Synagogues Prague

The Jewish Quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is packed with history and beautiful architecture. After visiting the Pinkas Synagogue and Terezin children memorial, explore the nearby buildings. Each synagogue has a unique style and story. You can easily walk between them in a few minutes. The area is also home to great kosher restaurants and shops.

1. Name: Spanish Synagogue Type: sight Why go: It features stunning Moorish Revival architecture and gold decorations. Best for: Art and architecture enthusiasts. Where: Vězeňská street. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Included in the museum pass. Getting there: 5-minute walk from Pinkas Synagogue. Tip: Look for the Franz Kafka statue right outside the entrance.
2. Name: Old-New Synagogue Type: sight Why go: It is the oldest active synagogue in Europe, dating back to 1270. Best for: Religious history and legend seekers. Where: Maiselova street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Requires a separate ticket or a specific museum add-on. Getting there: Central Josefov. Tip: Ask about the legend of the Golem said to be in the attic.
3. Name: Maisel Synagogue Type: museum Why go: It hosts an exhibit on the history of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia. Best for: Educational visits. Where: Maiselova street. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Museum circuit ticket. Getting there: Short walk from Staroměstská station. Tip: Check the touchscreens for interactive historical maps.
4. Name: Klausen Synagogue Type: museum Why go: It is the largest synagogue in the former ghetto and focuses on Jewish traditions. Best for: Learning about customs and holidays. Where: Near the cemetery exit. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Museum circuit ticket. Getting there: Right next to the Old Jewish Cemetery. Tip: This is a great place to learn about the Hebrew calendar.
5. Name: Jewish Ceremonial Hall Type: sight Why go: A Neo-Romanesque building that explains Jewish burial rites. Best for: Cultural understanding. Where: U Starého hřbitova. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Museum circuit ticket. Getting there: Located at the end of the cemetery path. Tip: Notice the beautiful stone carvings on the exterior.

Essential Landmarks Near the Jewish Quarter

Prague is a city of many layers. Beyond the synagogues, there are world-famous landmarks nearby. You can cross the river to see the castle or take a day trip. Planning ahead helps you avoid long lines. Many sites offer online tickets for 2026 visits. Always check the official tourism board for the latest updates.

1. Name: Terezín Ghetto Memorial Type: day trip Why go: To see where the children from the Pinkas memorial actually lived. Best for: Deep historical context. Where: Terezín town, 60km from Prague. Time: 6-8 hours. Cost: Bus fare plus entry fees. Getting there: Take a bus from Nádraží Holešovice station. Tip: Book a guided tour to get the most out of the experience.
2. Name: Prague Castle Type: sight Why go: It is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Best for: Everyone. Where: Hradčany district. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: Varies by circuit; check official castle site. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Tip: Read about Prague Castle history and tickets before visiting to choose the right tour.