Description

Essials about the Spanish Synagogue in brief

The Spanish Synagogue (cz. “Španělská synagoga”) is the youngest Jewish place of worship in the Josefov district, the former Jewish town of Prague. Built in the 19th century in Moorish style, the building is special because of its ornate façade, reminiscent of the Moorish buildings of Andalusia, and its richly decorated interior. As part of the Jewish Museum in Prague, objects from Jewish history of the 19th and 20th centuries can be seen in the Spanish Synagogue.

The history of the Spanish Synagogue

The history of the predecessor synagogue of the Spanish Synagogue is one of recurrent demolitions and new buildings. Originally, on the site stood the so-called “Old School”, the oldest synagogue in Prague that is no longer preserved. In 1389 the Old School was destroyed during a pogrom against the Jews but rebuilt. In 1516 it burned down and was rebuilt at the beginning of the 17th century. In 1693, the Old School was finally closed by imperial order, as the number of synagogues in Prague was to be reduced. However, through the efforts of the synagogue’s superintendent, it was reopened in 1703. In the years 1745 to 1749, when the Jews were expelled from Prague, the Old School was again devastated and renewed in 1750. In 1754, several synagogues in Prague burned, including the Old School. It was rebuilt.

In the 19th century, the Old School was first remodeled in neo-Gothic style and finally demolished in 1867 due to its insufficient size. In 1868 the new synagogue was built in its place. The building plans were made by the architect Vojtech Ignaz Ullmann, the interior constructions by Josef Niklas. In 1882/83, the synagogue was decorated with rich ornamental decoration in Moorish style by Antonin Baum and Bedřich Münzberger. Because of this architectural style it was now called “Spanish Synagogue”.

Website

jewishmuseum.cz/spanish-synagogue

Opening hours

Opening hours Jan. – Mar. und Nov. – Dec.

Admission fees

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

Bus line 194: Stop U Staré školy

Tram lines 17 and 93: Stop Právnická fakulta

By car:

The nearest parking garage is Garáže Pařížská.