I had bookmarked this landmark and it did not disappoint. First, it is just beautiful on the…read moreoutside, the tile work and the combination of Moorish and Jewish touches make this a really striking building. Then on the inside the main area is expansive and it is full of historical information on the Jewish people in Czechia. Going upstairs, there's more information to read. The synagogue was built between 1905-1906. Initially it bore the name of the Jubilee Temple of Emperor Franz Joseph to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his reign, in 1898. After WWI, the present name, the Jerusalem Synagogue, based on the street name where it stands, slowly gained ground.

It's not often you come upon synagogues with both Moorish and Art Nouveau styles incorporated, what…read morea beautifully unexpected combination! The Jerusalem Synagogue (aka Jubilee Synagogue) was constructed in 1906 and in honor of the golden jubilee (50th anniversary) of Emperor Franz Joseph's reign, and is the largest synagogue in Prague though not the largest in the Czech Republic. Designed by Wilhelm Stiassny originally this was used as a synagogue by the Reform Judaism community though now used by a Modern Orthodox congregation. Both inside and outside are decorated with moorish horseshoe arches, bright red, gold and blue patterns--the ones on the interior painted with Art Nouveau patterns. One of the more elaborate synagogues I've visited and probably the most colorful! The second floor has some displays of Prague's Jewish community and the history of this synagogue. The building opened in 2008 to the public on days when it wasn't actively used as a place of worship, and current ticket prices are: Adults: 150 CZK (eTicket 135 CZK) Children under 6: free Children under 15 and students: 100 CZK (eTicket 90 CZK) Reduced entrance fee for visitors with valid ticket to the Jewish Town sites: Adults: 100 CZK Children under 6: free Children under 15 and students: 80 CZK More info here: synagogue.cz

We visited while in Prague and it was a sad but memorable experience about the Holocaust. On the…read moreway out we passed through this cemetery which was very sad after seeing the kids' drawings and names of their victims on the walls. We all thought it was worthwhile to see and gain more insight and knowledge...we visited to learn and see more about the history. The kids' drawings/ paintings were also sad to see and they were preserved very well. It was also sad to see the pics of the trains - a journey with no return I think it was called. A must-see when in the Jewish quarter and we highly recommend it.

We are on holiday in Europe. My wife and I are traveling with my daughter 19 and niece 18 from the…read moreUnited States. My wife takes her sisters kids on our summer vacation each time in graduated. This is the 7th and youngest. We have never faced this insult before here on other activities or in previous years in previous activities in other locations. So far in Prague, we did the Charles Bridge Tour, Royal Czech Orchestra, Cooking class with Brett and the Communist Museum in Prague so far. I bought tickets for Royal Czech Orchestra which was awesome. Four A section seats but forgot I had students. (My mistake). We did the Charles Bridge tour. Not sure what tickets my wife bought but also very good tour. The Communist museum was lots of information and very worthwhile. I bought two adult and two student tickets. They didn't check kids student ID. We had a visit and bought souvenirs and gifts. Now the Pinkasova Synagogue that we had decided to visit because Jana from Charles Bridge guided tour show us the cemetery and told us about the history and persecution the Jewish suffered here in Prague. Plan was to see the museum and cemetery and buy a Golem for our Jewish friend in Washington I should have bought tickets online, would have avoided this insult. Was doing so in line but line went fast so I thought I'd buy at the counter. Two adult and two students please. The 60ish woman at window demanded student IDs. My daughter had hers and showed it but my niece 18 just graduated high school in North Carolina and is going to BYU in fall. She doesn't carry her expired high school ID and doesn't have a BYU ID yet. The attendant would not accept this explanation. I suggested my niece pull out her drivers license to show the attendant her age thinking this would show student age. Ella was working at it. The attendant interjected that... your drivers license shows me you have a drivers license, not that you are a student.... Hmm you can't take that comment back. I said "ok then we just won't go."We just left. I guess you caught us. Checking IDs and unspoken accusation that we are trying to cheat the synagogue of 150 or 250 Czech dollars. You can keep your synagogue history and knowledge for yourself. We learned a lot just at the window. Next time I come I might buy tickets online, or make sure any kids have student IDs. Maybe we will all be adults or maybe I'll be old but have to show my ID so u can get senior tickets. Keep treating your patrons as liars and cheats. For now No thanks!!! We will go somewhere else.

We didn't go inside but the outside is striking. Add this to any walking tour near the Old Town.read more

This is a beautiful synagogue in the Jewish quarter…read more The Synagogue dazzles with its golden Moorish designs, blue and red patterns, and soft natural light. It's one of the most ornate synagogues in Europe, and stepping inside feels like entering another world entirely. Here, memory isn't heavy -- it shines. The music that often fills the space, whether classical or klezmer, feels like an act of defiance and joy. It's a reminder that the story of Jewish Prague is not only about sorrow, but about resilience, creativity, and renewal. It was a nice cultural and historical stop in our Prague walking tour.

Part of the Jewish Museum in Prague. This is the former Ceremonial Hall and Mortuary of the Old…read moreJewish Cemetery. It was built in the pseudo-Romanesque style in the early 1900s. It houses artifacts related to Jewish medicine and burial traditions.

Not open on a Saturday afternoon (duh, Sabbath), which was really the only free time I had to…read morevisit. But the outside? Stunning. And the history? Amazing! It is the oldest synagogue in all of Europe. The "Old New" Synagogue is neither old nor new, the name originates from a Hebre word "Al tnay" which means "on condition" and has to do with the stones that were imported from Jerusalem to build the temple in around 1270. The stones were to be used "on condition" that they were returned to Jerusalem when the Messiah comes so that the Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt and the stones are needed. Interesting tidbit. It is said that the body of Golem (no, not Gollum) lies in the attic storage area. A Nazi officer attempted to access the attic but instead died. And so this synagogue was spared much of the destruction that was brought on others. This "golem" concept also brought the word "robot" into language. Robot is drawn fro the Czech/Slavic word "robota" for servitude or drudgery. The Karel Čapek story "R.U.R." tells the story of a company using the latest technology to build workers who "lack nothing but a soul." [Review 12244 overall, 2028 of 2019.]

Oldest Active Synagogue in Europe…read more Built around 1270 in the Gothic style, this is one of three active synagogue in Prague's Josefov Quarter. It is a miracle that it has survived pogroms, fires, floods and the Holocaust. Legend states that the synagogue is protected by angels who brought the stones from the ruins of King Solomon's Temple. These stones are being "saved" until the temple in Jerusalem can be rebuilt. Originally called the New Synagogue, when a newer synagogue was constructed, this became the Old-New Synagogue.

You might think this place is a gimmick, but 80% of it is not. It is actually very interesting and…read moreeducational. While it will certainly get some giggles, it offers real substance. If I had my way, I would expand the descriptions for every exhibit; instead of just two or three sentences, I'd prefer two or three paragraphs. Overall, it was well worth the admission price, though I do think they should have splurged more on the air conditioning.

Fun different thing to do. Casual and easy break from the crowds. Lots to see. Entertaining for…read moresure.