{"id":14066,"date":"2024-11-27T19:13:01","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T17:13:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prague.org\/?p=14066"},"modified":"2024-11-27T19:13:46","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T17:13:46","slug":"charles-bridge-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prague.org\/de\/old-new-synagogue-prague\/","title":{"rendered":"Altneue Synagoge in Prag: Ein historisches und mystisches Wahrzeichen"},"content":{"rendered":"

Die <\/span>Altneue Synagoge in Prag<\/b> is a place of worship for Orthodox Jews in Josefov. It is the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe. It has the distinction of being the first twin-nave medieval synagogue still standing, having been finished in 1270.<\/span><\/p>\n

Die <\/span>Altneue Synagoge in Prag<\/b> was revered in both the city’s Jewish Town<\/a> and overseas Jewish communities, and it was the subject of numerous myths and legends over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are few Gothic structures in Prague as old as this one. When the Spanish Synagogue was built in 1867, it replaced an even older synagogue in Prague called the Old Synagogue.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is a marvel of medieval Gothic architecture and a tribute to the resilience and history of Prague’s Jewish population; it is located in Josefov, the old Jewish community of Prague<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, if you ever find yourself in Prague, don’t miss the Old-New Synagogue with its evocative history and mystique. With each passing moment, your admiration for this extraordinary structure and the history it holds will grow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The History and Significance of the Old-New Synagogue or Altneuschul in Prague\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Old-New Synagogue, also known as <\/span>Altneuschul <\/b>oder <\/span>Staronov\u00e1 Synagoga, in Prague<\/b>, is one of Europe’s oldest and most significant Jewish landmarks, having been built in 1270. Its moniker, “Old-New,” has magical connotations, with traditions claiming that its stones came from Solomon’s Temple with the condition that they be returned when the temple was rebuilt.<\/span><\/p>\n

The former Old Synagogue, which was constructed around the 11th and 12th centuries and stood on Du\u0161n\u00ed Street, was pulled down in 1867. The current name of the New Synagogue (Old-New Synagogue) came about after the original Old Synagogue was demolished and replaced by the Spanish synagogue.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Jewish population of Prague has progressively centered their lives around the new synagogue. The <\/span>Altneue Synagoge in Prag<\/b> and the adjacent Old Jewish Cemetery<\/a> were both constructed about the same time. Over the years, the areas built around the synagogue have served many roles, the most common of which have been as a marketplace and a laundry room for residents of the surrounding streets.<\/span><\/p>\n

It has been the primary place of worship for Jews in Prague for almost seven centuries. Built by stonemasons from the royal smelter in the late 13th century while they were constructing the adjacent abbey of St. Ane\u017eka, it stands as a testament to the significant role played by the Jewish population in Prague during that era. Originally known as Nov\u00e1 or Velk\u00e1, the term Staronov\u00e1 Altneuschul came into usage at the end of the sixteenth century, when new synagogues were established.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Synagogue is also regarded as a generally safe location since, unlike other structures in the Josefov Jewish Quarter, it has survived pogroms, fires, and the Holocaust to represent Jewish perseverance. It is popularly associated with the tale of the Golem, a clay figure fashioned by Rabbi Judah Loew to defend the Jewish community and thought to rest in the<\/span> Old-New Synagogue attic.<\/b><\/p>\n

Heute ist die <\/span>Alte-neue Synagoge<\/b> is still a functional house of prayer, an important part of <\/span>Prague’s Jewish Museum<\/span><\/a>, and a UNESCO cultural treasure, attracting visitors with its history, architecture, and ongoing spiritual value.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angetrieben durch GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unique Architectural Features of the Old-New Synagogue<\/span><\/h2>\n

Die <\/span>Altneue Synagoge in Prag<\/b> is an important historical site due to its unusual combination of Gothic style with Jewish religious tradition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gothic architecture<\/span><\/h3>\n

The French Cistercian monks who settled in the Czech territories contributed an early Gothic style that the synagogue was constructed in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Typical of Gothic architecture, this 13th-century building has lofty ribbed vaults and a double-nave layout supported by a central pillar. Vaulted ceilings impart majesty and spiritual resonance, while narrow windows and strong stone walls produce a secluded and cozy ambiance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interiors of the synagogue<\/span><\/h3>\n

On the inside, you can still see many of the original medieval features of the synagogue, such as the bimah (central platform) with its elaborate iron grille, the Ark of the Torah with its Hebrew inscriptions, and the centuries-old wooden benches. The walls feature holy Hebrew scriptures, highlighting their religious significance. As if it weren’t mysterious enough, there are rumors that the Golem Rabbi Judah Loew built supposedly resides in the attic.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Legend of the Golem in the Old-New Synagogue Attic<\/span><\/h2>\n

Die<\/span> Altneue Synagoge in Prag<\/b> has a mystique about it due to the storied past of the <\/span>Golem<\/span><\/a> and its intricate connection to the narrative. Folklore has it that a Jewish mystic and philosopher named Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel fashioned a clay Golem\u2014a humanoid figure\u2014to ward off anti-Semitic persecution. Through the use of Kabbalistic rituals, Rabbi Loew bestowed life upon the Golem by engraving the word emet (truth) onto its forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

From its beginnings as a protector, the <\/span>Old-New Synagogue Golem<\/b> eventually became unmanageable. For deactivation, Rabbi Loew took the initial letter out of emet, leaving met (death), and placed its remnants in the synagogue’s attic, prohibiting anybody from going there. For generations, people have been unable to cross the threshold of the sanctuary, leading many to wonder what might be lying above.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mythology strengthens the synagogue’s mystical reputation by connecting it to themes of protection, faith, and the power of ancient wisdom. It remains an intriguing aspect of Prague’s cultural tradition, enticing visitors with its blend of history and mystery.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Angetrieben durch GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

Old-New Synagogue Prague Tickets and Visiting Information<\/span><\/h2>\n

Der Besuch der<\/span> Altneue Synagoge in Prag<\/b> is an absolute must for anyone considering a trip to Prague who is interested in learning about the city’s Jewish history. To make the most of your visit, please check the <\/span>Old-New Synagogue tickets<\/b>, operating hours, and how to access this monument:<\/span><\/p>\n

Ticket-Informationen<\/span><\/h3>\n

Adults pay CZK 500, while children under the age of six get in free. Children aged 6 to 15 and students pay CZK 370, whereas families with one adult and four children pay CZK 500 per adult and CZK 180 per child.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For more information on where to buy old-new synagogue tickets, check out their <\/span>offizielle Website.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Betriebsstunden<\/span><\/h3>\n

Summer operating hours: 9:00 to 18:00.<\/span><\/p>\n

Winter operating hours: 9:00-16:30<\/span><\/p>\n

Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n

Access through the Jewish Museum in Prague<\/span><\/h3>\n

Separate entry to<\/span> Prague\u2019s Old-New Synagogue<\/b> is no longer available since January 1, 2024. Since January 1, 2024, the synagogue is now a part of the Jewish Town circuit which includes the Jewish Museum in Prague. Visitors may gain entry through the museum’s ticketing system, which offers a variety of alternatives for exploring Prague’s rich Jewish legacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Location of the Old-New Synagogue in Prague\u2019s Josefov District<\/span><\/h3>\n