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The Old-New Synagogue in Prague 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.
The Old-New Synagogue in Prague was revered in both the city’s Jewish Town and overseas Jewish communities, and it was the subject of numerous myths and legends over the years.
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.
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.
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.
The History and Significance of the Old-New Synagogue or Altneuschul in Prague
The Old-New Synagogue, also known as Altneuschul or Staronová Synagoga, in Prague, 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.
The former Old Synagogue, which was constructed around the 11th and 12th centuries and stood on Dušní 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.
The Jewish population of Prague has progressively centered their lives around the new synagogue. The Old-New Synagogue in Prague and the adjacent Old Jewish Cemetery 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.
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. Anežka, it stands as a testament to the significant role played by the Jewish population in Prague during that era. Originally known as Nová or Velká, the term Staronová Altneuschul came into usage at the end of the sixteenth century, when new synagogues were established.
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 Old-New Synagogue attic.
Today, the Old-New Synagogue is still a functional house of prayer, an important part of Prague’s Jewish Museum, and a UNESCO cultural treasure, attracting visitors with its history, architecture, and ongoing spiritual value.
Unique Architectural Features of the Old-New Synagogue
The Old-New Synagogue in Prague is an important historical site due to its unusual combination of Gothic style with Jewish religious tradition.
Gothic architecture
The French Cistercian monks who settled in the Czech territories contributed an early Gothic style that the synagogue was constructed in.
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.
Interiors of the synagogue
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.
The Legend of the Golem in the Old-New Synagogue Attic
The Old-New Synagogue in Prague has a mystique about it due to the storied past of the Golem 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—a humanoid figure—to 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.
From its beginnings as a protector, the Old-New Synagogue Golem 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.
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.
Old-New Synagogue Prague Tickets and Visiting Information
Visiting the Old-New Synagogue in Prague 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 Old-New Synagogue tickets, operating hours, and how to access this monument:
Ticket information
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.
For more information on where to buy old-new synagogue tickets, check out their official website.
Operating hours
Summer operating hours: 9:00 to 18:00.
Winter operating hours: 9:00-16:30
Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Access through the Jewish Museum in Prague
Separate entry to Prague’s Old-New Synagogue 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.
Location of the Old-New Synagogue in Prague’s Josefov District
The Old-New Synagogue is located in Josefov, the Jewish neighborhood and old ghetto of Prague. This area is conveniently located near Old Town Square. It is easily accessible via:
- Metro: Take Line A to Staroměstská Station (5-minute walk).
- Tram: Take lines 17, 18, or 53 to neighboring stops.
- On foot: 5-10 minutes from Old Town Square.
- By car or taxi: Use “Červená Street, Josefov” as your destination. Parking here is limited.
