Old-New Synagogue Prague
Europe's oldest active synagogue, a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece and legendary home of the Golem of Prague.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Old-New Synagogue Prague
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's oldest active synagogue, a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece and legendary home of the Golem of Prague.
"A truly ancient and sacred space, steeped in history and the captivating legend of the Golem."
🧥 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Kippahs provided for men.
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
It's an active place of worship. Keep voices low.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Golem's Legend
Attic (legendary)
Explore the legendary resting place of the Golem of Prague, a mystical protector of the Jewish Quarter.
Gothic Architecture
Main Sanctuary
Marvel at the stunning 13th-century Gothic design, a testament to medieval craftsmanship.
Sacred Scrolls and Artifacts
Display areas
Discover ancient Torah scrolls and artifacts that tell the rich history of Prague's Jewish community.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Attire is Key
Beat the Crowds for Deeper Reflection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Kippahs provided for men.
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
It's an active place of worship. Keep voices low.
Europe's oldest extant synagogue, the Altneuschul of Prague (13th century). Legend has it the Golem of Prague hibernates in the attic...
🚶♀️ Explore the Jewish Quarter
Combine your visit with nearby synagogues & Old Jewish Cemetery.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Check rules; photography may be restricted inside.
Destinations Related to the Legend of the Golem of Prague?
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Kippahs provided for men.
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
It's an active place of worship. Keep voices low.
🚶♀️ Explore the Jewish Quarter
Combine your visit with nearby synagogues & Old Jewish Cemetery.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Check rules; photography may be restricted inside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Old-New Synagogue for its profound historical significance and stunning Gothic architecture. Many are captivated by the legendary tales of the Golem of Prague, adding a mystical dimension to their visit. Some note that photography can be restricted and that respectful attire is essential.
"We bought tickets for all the tour with the audio explosion and it was lovely. Very interesting history, i didn't know the Jewish community in Prague was so wide and significant. Very recommended."
Danielle Mini
"Visiting the New Old Synagogue in Prague was a truly remarkable experience. This historic site, with its stunning Gothic architecture, offers connection to Jewish heritage of the Prague . The synagogue is well maintained .The atmosphere is both peaceful and solemn, making it a perfect place for reflection. I highly recommend visiting the New Old Synagogue It’s a must-see landmark that provides a unique glimpse into Prague’s past."
ERIK KIK
"It is the oldest active synagogue in Europe and one of the earliest Gothic buildings in Prague.
Located in the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), it has been a central place of worship for the Jewish community in Prague for centuries.
The synagogue's name, "Old New," refers to its construction on the site of an even older synagogue, with the "new" referring to its completion in the late 13th century.
It is a significant historical and architectural landmark, known for its unique two-nave design and the legend of the Golem of Prague associated with it."
Dury Goleman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old-New Synagogue (Staronova Synagogue) is centrally located in Prague's Jewish Quarter (Josefov). You can easily reach it by walking from Old Town Square, or by taking tram lines 2, 17, or 18 to the 'Pařížská' stop. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from their accommodation if staying nearby.
Yes, the Old-New Synagogue is well-served by public transport. Trams are a popular option, with the 'Pařížská' stop being the closest. From there, it's a short walk into the heart of the Jewish Quarter.
Many visitors recommend exploring the Jewish Quarter on foot to fully appreciate its historical significance. Consider a guided tour that includes the Old-New Synagogue and other key sites for deeper insights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Old-New Synagogue can vary. It's best to check the official Jewish Museum in Prague website for the most current pricing and any potential combination tickets that include other historical sites in the Jewish Quarter.
While not always mandatory, booking your Old-New Synagogue tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
The Old-New Synagogue typically follows the opening hours of the Jewish Museum in Prague, but these can change due to Jewish holidays and Shabbat. Always verify the current opening hours on their official website before your visit.
Yes, as an active place of worship, a modest dress code is required. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Men are often asked to wear a kippah (skullcap), which are usually provided at the entrance.
Photography rules can be strict inside the Old-New Synagogue. It's essential to check the specific regulations upon arrival, as photography may be prohibited or restricted to certain areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Old-New Synagogue is significant as Europe's oldest active synagogue, completed in 1270. It's also famously associated with the legend of the Golem of Prague, a mystical creature said to be hidden in its attic.
Inside, you'll find impressive Gothic architecture, a bimah (reading platform), and Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark). The atmosphere is solemn and historic, reflecting centuries of Jewish prayer and community life.
The Golem of Prague is a legend, a mystical tale deeply ingrained in the history of the Jewish Quarter. While the Golem itself is folklore, the legend is strongly associated with the Old-New Synagogue.
A visit to the Old-New Synagogue itself can take around 30-60 minutes, depending on your interest in the history and legends. However, many visitors spend several hours exploring the entire Jewish Quarter.
Guided tours are often available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the synagogue's history, architecture, and the Golem legend. Check with the Jewish Museum for tour options.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules inside the Old-New Synagogue can be restrictive. It's crucial to check the signage or ask staff upon entry. Often, interior photography is not permitted to maintain the sanctity of the space.
The exterior of the Old-New Synagogue offers beautiful architectural shots, especially from the surrounding cobblestone streets of the Jewish Quarter. Capture the intricate details of its Gothic facade.
Yes, drone photography is generally restricted in Prague's historic city center, including the Jewish Quarter, due to regulations protecting heritage sites and public safety. Always check local drone laws before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit concise to maintain younger attention spans. Focus on the visual aspects of the Gothic architecture and the intriguing tales. Consider combining this with other more interactive or visually stimulating attractions in the Jewish Quarter or Prague itself to create a balanced itinerary.
📜 History Buffs & Folklore Enthusiasts
Delve into the synagogue's rich past, its architectural significance as one of Europe's oldest active synagogues, and the mystical stories that surround it. Consider booking a guided tour specifically focused on the history and legends of the Jewish Quarter for a more in-depth experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring Legend of the Golem
This legend has captivated imaginations for centuries, making the synagogue a pilgrimage site for those interested in Jewish mysticism and folklore. While the Golem is a mythical figure, its story adds a layer of profound mystique to the already ancient and sacred space of the Old-New Synagogue.
Many visitors come specifically seeking any connection to this tale, often asking about the attic and its supposed inhabitant. While the physical presence of the Golem is a matter of legend, the enduring power of the story is palpable within the synagogue's historic walls.
Architectural Marvel of the 13th Century
The exterior showcases characteristic Gothic elements like pointed arches and buttresses, though time and subsequent modifications have softened some of its original austerity. Inside, the atmosphere is one of solemn reverence, with the high vaulted ceilings and ancient stone creating a powerful sense of history. The Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) and the bimah (reading platform) are central to the sanctuary's layout, reflecting traditional synagogue design.
Its survival through centuries of historical upheaval, including fires and wars, is a testament to its robust construction and the enduring significance it held for the Jewish community. Visiting the Old-New Synagogue offers a tangible connection to medieval Prague and the architectural prowess of the era.
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