Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter in Prague (also known as Josefov), is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. The Jewish Quarter gained the name of the Prague Jewish Ghetto after a while.

 

Since the 13^th century, the Jewish people in Prague were forced to leave their homes and assimilate into the quarters that were blocked off from the rest of the city. As the centuries went on, more and more people were forced to cram into this area. This created a very crowded area for people to live in.

The lasted redevelopment of the Jewish Quarters occurred between 1893 and 1913. There were updates to the area, but many buildings stayed in-tact as a testimony to the history of Prague Jews. There buildings are the best preserved complex of Jewish historical monuments in Europe.

There are currently 6 synagogues in the Jewish Quarter area, including the Old-New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue. The Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery also remain.

The Jewish Museum is located in the Jewish Quarter area in Prague. Visitors are able to buy 1 ticket and see all of the buildings except the Old-New Synagogue. This is because it is the oldest synagogue still standing that is in fairly good condition in Central Europe. It was built in the 13^th century and all the furnishings inside are original. The Old-New Synagogue also serves as the main house of prayer of Prague’s Jewish Community.

 

View Larger Map References

Jewish Quarter [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from Prague Experience website: http://www.pragueexperience.com/pop_up_information/xlarge.asp?PlaceID=597&ImageFolder=xlarge

Obrakez 4 ze 7 [Photograph]. (2009). Retrieved from Prague Minos Guide website: http://www.digital-guide.cz/en/realie/quarters-of-prague/jewish-town-josefov/

Prague Experience. (n.d.). Jewish quarter (Jesofov). In Prague sightseeing: Prague attractions. Retrieved from http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=597