Pinkas Synagogue & Holocaust Memorial Prague
A solemn Gothic synagogue transformed into a memorial, bearing the names of nearly 80,000 Holocaust victims.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Pinkas Synagogue & Holocaust Memorial Prague
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn Gothic synagogue transformed into a memorial, bearing the names of nearly 80,000 Holocaust victims.
"A deeply moving and essential visit, the Pinkas Synagogue's walls speak volumes of lost lives."
Allocate Enough Time
While some suggest 1 hour per site, allow at least 1.5-2 hours here for reflection.
Purchase Combined Ticket
Get a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum sites for best value.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walls of Names
Main Hall
Thousands of names of Holocaust victims inscribed on the walls, a powerful and somber testament to lives lost.
Children's Drawings from Terezín
Upper Gallery
A poignant exhibition of drawings by children imprisoned in the Terezín ghetto, offering a heartbreaking glimpse into their experiences.
Gothic Architecture
Synagogue Exterior and Interior
Admire the historic Gothic architecture of the Pinkas Synagogue, one of Prague's oldest surviving synagogues.
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Attire and Demeanor
Combined Tickets for Jewish Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Enough Time
While some suggest 1 hour per site, allow at least 1.5-2 hours here for reflection.
Purchase Combined Ticket
Get a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum sites for best value.
Prepare for Emotional Impact
The sheer number of names is overwhelming. Be prepared for a deeply moving experience.
Check Opening Hours
Verify opening hours, especially around Jewish holidays.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Enough Time
While some suggest 1 hour per site, allow at least 1.5-2 hours here for reflection.
Purchase Combined Ticket
Get a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum sites for best value.
Prepare for Emotional Impact
The sheer number of names is overwhelming. Be prepared for a deeply moving experience.
Check Opening Hours
Verify opening hours, especially around Jewish holidays.
Quiet Reflection
Speak softly and be mindful of others seeking a moment of quiet contemplation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Pinkas Synagogue as a deeply moving and somber experience. The overwhelming number of names inscribed on the walls is a powerful testament to the victims of the Holocaust. While emotionally challenging, it's considered an essential and profoundly impactful visit for understanding Prague's history. Some find the children's drawings particularly heartbreaking.
"Of all the sites included under the Jewish Museum ticket, Pinkas Synagogue was my favourite. Located right next to the Cemetery, the rooms and walls with names of those who have died in the Holocaust is substantial, and incredibly moving. One of my favourite parts was the exhibit upstairs with art from children depicting experiences in the ghetto and WWII. Just haunting. Very glad we visited."
Alyssa Becker
"#Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto, is dotted with somber reminders of its past. These include the weathered tombstones of the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Pinkas Synagogue, now a Holocaust memorial with exhibits focusing on Jewish children. The Jewish Museum houses a huge collection of cultural artifacts."
Kate Ozel
"Beautiful synagogue. Everyone should go here at some point to read up on the history."
Ash Führ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pinkas Synagogue is located in the heart of Prague's Jewish Quarter (Josefov). You can easily reach it by walking from the Old Town Square or by taking public transport to nearby stops like Staroměstská (metro line A) or various tram lines.
Yes, the Jewish Quarter is a compact area and very walkable. The Pinkas Synagogue is centrally located among the other Jewish Museum sites.
Many visitors find it helpful to start at the Jewish Museum's information center to purchase a combined ticket and get a map, which guides you through the various synagogues and the cemetery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a ticket is required. It's typically part of a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum sites, which includes the Pinkas Synagogue, Old-New Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue, and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
Tickets can be purchased at the information center of the Jewish Museum in Prague, usually located near the Old-New Synagogue. It's recommended to buy them there to access all included sites.
Ticket prices can vary, but a combined ticket typically offers access to multiple sites for a set fee. Check the official Jewish Museum in Prague website for the most current pricing.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or families. It's best to inquire at the ticket office or check the Jewish Museum's official website for details.
Generally, the Pinkas Synagogue is accessed via the combined ticket for the Jewish Museum. Individual site entry is usually not offered.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Today, the Pinkas Synagogue serves as a memorial to the nearly 80,000 Czech Jews who were victims of the Holocaust, with their names inscribed on its walls.
Inside, you'll find the walls covered with the names of Holocaust victims. There is also an exhibition of children's drawings from the Terezín concentration camp in the upper gallery.
Photography is often restricted inside the Pinkas Synagogue, especially in areas with the inscribed names and the children's drawings, to maintain a respectful atmosphere.
Given the emotional weight of the memorial, many visitors recommend spending at least 1 to 1.5 hours to truly absorb the experience and reflect.
While it was historically a place of worship for four centuries, it now primarily functions as a museum and memorial to the Holocaust victims.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally prohibited inside the Pinkas Synagogue, particularly in the main hall with the inscribed names and the exhibition of children's drawings. Always check for signage.
The exterior of the Pinkas Synagogue and the surrounding Jewish Quarter offer picturesque architectural views. The Old Jewish Cemetery, accessible with a combined ticket, is also a unique photographic subject.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for exterior shots, offering softer light and potentially fewer crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to gauge your children's maturity and emotional readiness. For younger children, the sheer volume of names might be overwhelming. The Jewish Quarter itself offers other historical sites that might be more engaging for younger visitors, but the Pinkas Synagogue is crucial for understanding a significant part of history.
🤔 Reflective Travelers
+1Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to allow for a more personal and introspective experience. The upstairs exhibition of children's drawings from Terezín is particularly moving and adds a unique dimension to the memorial. This is a place to connect with history on a deeply human level.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Holocaust Memorial: A Living Testimony
+1Visitors often describe the experience as overwhelming and emotionally charged. The names are meticulously listed, representing individuals, families, and entire communities lost. It's a place that demands quiet contemplation and a moment to reflect on the immense human cost of the Holocaust. The memorial is not just a historical record but a space for remembrance and education, urging future generations to learn from the past.
Adjacent to the main memorial hall, an upstairs gallery houses a particularly heart-wrenching exhibition: drawings created by children imprisoned in the Terezín concentration camp. These artworks offer a child's perspective on their horrific reality, adding another layer of poignancy to the visit. The combination of the inscribed names and the children's art makes the Pinkas Synagogue a uniquely impactful memorial.
Architectural Significance and History
+1 It served as a center for Jewish life and prayer for centuries, witnessing significant historical events in Prague's Jewish community. Its architecture reflects the Gothic period, characterized by its sturdy construction and perhaps more subdued ornamentation compared to later Baroque styles found elsewhere in the city. Over its long history, the synagogue has undergone various renovations and changes, adapting to the evolving needs of its community and the changing political landscape of Prague. Its survival through centuries of turmoil, including periods of persecution, is a testament to its enduring significance. Today, its historical architectural features are preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into medieval Jewish life in Prague, even as its primary function has shifted to that of a memorial.
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