Old New Synagogue (Staronová Synagoga)
The basics
The synagogue is topped with brick gables and its interior is starkly simple and little changed since the 13th century, with one prayer hall for the men and an adjoining gallery, from which women can watch services. An elaborate wrought-iron grill encases the pulpit and the Torah scrolls are contained in a Torah ark on the eastern wall. A couple of electric chandeliers illuminate the once-dark interior and a red banner of the Prague Jewish Community above, with the emblem of the ghetto (Star of David with a Jewish hat inside) hangs above.
Walking tours of Prague’s Jewish Quarter typically visit the Old-New Synagogue, along with such other notable attractions as the city’s four other synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. These tours provide an in-depth perspective and history of Jewish life in Prague that you might not get on your own.
Things to know before you go
- The Old-New Synagogue is Prague’s most important Jewish site—a must-see even if you only have time for one.
- Men must cover their heads (paper yarmulkes are handed out at the entrance).
- A ticket to the Old-New Synagogue allows discounted entry to the Jerusalem Synagogue.
- Children under six receive free admission.
How to get there
The Old-New Synagogue is centrally located in the Prague district of Josefov, just outside of Old Town and a five-minute walk from Old Town Square. The closest Prague Metro station is Staroměstská (on the A Line), which is a 4-minute walk.
Trip ideas
When to get there
From Sunday to Thursday the Old-New Synagogue opens at 9am. It closes at 6pm in summer and 5pm in winter. On Fridays, the synagogue closes an hour before the Sabbath begins. It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
The Golem
It is said that the Golem of Jewish folklore rests lies in the attic of the Old-New Synagogue. Legend has it that a Nazi agent during World War II died while trying to enter it and so the synagogue was spared during the war. However, a search of the attic by an Israeli film crew in 2014 found no trace of the golem.
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- Jewish Museum (Zidovské Muzeum)
- Prague Old Town (Staré Mesto)
- Pinkas Synagogue (Pinkasova Synagoga) and Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý Zidovský Hrbitov)
- Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý Zidovský Hrbitov)
- Maisel Synagogue (Maiselova Synagoga)
- Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
- Paris Street (Parízská)
- Rudolfinum
- Spanish Synagogue (Spanelská Synagoga)
- Franz Kafka’s Birthplace (Expozice Franze Kafky)
- Prague Old Town Square (Staromestské Námestí)
- The Prague Illusion
- Prague City Gallery (GHMP)
- Prague Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj)
- M1 Lounge Bar & Club