Maisel Synagogue, Prague
Synagogue in Prague
Set slightly back from Maiselova Street in Josefov, the Maisel Synagogue is one of those places that rewards travelers who want context, not just pretty façades. It's one of the must-see places in Prague for understanding how Jewish life in the Czech lands evolved over centuries, told through objects that feel close to daily reality-candlesticks, ritual silver, textiles, and the material details of community identity.
Because it sits in the middle of the Jewish Quarter route, it's often visited on walking tours of Prague, but it also works very well self-guided. The interior is calm, the exhibitions are straightforward to follow, and it's an excellent “story-building” stop between the emotional weight of memorial sites and the visual drama of more ornate synagogues.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Maisel Synagogue
- Things to See and Do in the Maisel Synagogue
- How to Get to the Maisel Synagogue
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Maisel Synagogue
- Where to Stay close to the Maisel Synagogue
- Is the Maisel Synagogue Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Maisel Synagogue
- For Different Travelers
- Nearby Attractions to the Maisel Synagogue
History and Significance of the Maisel Synagogue
The Maisel Synagogue is closely tied to Mordechai Maisel, one of the most influential figures in Prague's Jewish community during the late 16th century. His wealth and civic leadership shaped Josefov in practical ways, funding institutions and community structures, and the synagogue stands as the most visible monument to that philanthropic legacy.
Originally built in the Renaissance era, the building's form has changed through cycles of disaster and rebuilding, most notably after the Great Fire of 1689. Over time it moved through architectural phases, and its present neo-Gothic appearance reflects later 19th-century ideas about restoration and historical style. This layered evolution makes the synagogue valuable not only as a Jewish landmark, but also as a record of how Prague reinterpreted its own past.
Today, the synagogue's primary significance lies in its role within the Jewish Museum in Prague network. Rather than functioning as a regular house of worship, it serves as an exhibition space where objects and narratives trace Jewish life in Bohemia and Moravia in the early periods, creating an anchor point for understanding Josefov as a community, not just a sightseeing district.
Things to See and Do in the Maisel Synagogue
The museum exhibition is the heart of the visit. It’s structured to guide you through early Jewish history in the Czech lands, with a strong focus on objects that make the timeline tangible-ritual items, Torah-related objects, and pieces that illuminate how religious practice and communal life were organized.
Look closely at the craftsmanship in ceremonial silver and the variety of lamps and menorahs, because this is where the synagogue quietly shines. These objects were made to be used, not just displayed, and seeing them behind glass often prompts you to imagine the homes, festivals, and family rituals they once belonged to.
The exhibition also introduces the social constraints that shaped Jewish life, and that contrast can be one of the most sobering parts of the visit: beauty and devotion existing alongside legal restrictions and visible markers of difference. Taken together, the displays give you a grounded understanding of resilience that feels historical without being abstract.
How to Get to the Maisel Synagogue
The Maisel Synagogue is in Josefov near Old Town and is easy to reach on foot once you're in central Prague. It fits naturally into a Jewish Quarter loop alongside nearby synagogues and the cemetery.
If you are arriving by air, Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the nearest airport, with direct connections into the city by public transport and taxi/rideshare. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Prague on Booking.com.
If you are coming by rail, Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station) connects efficiently to the center via metro and tram, followed by a short walk into Josefov. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
Long-distance buses usually arrive at Florenc, which has metro connections toward Old Town for a quick transfer.
Driving into Josefov is generally not practical due to limited parking and pedestrian-heavy streets; park outside the core and finish by public transport or walking.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Maisel Synagogue
- Suggested tips: Use this as a “context museum” stop early in your Josefov route, so the history and objects help you interpret what you see in the cemetery and other synagogues later.
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for calmer galleries and more time to read exhibits without feeling rushed.
- Entrance fee: Adults: CZK 600
- Opening hours: Summer: 9:00 - 18:00; Winter: 9:00 - 16:30; (open every day except Saturdays and Jewish holidays)
Old Jewish Cemetery / Old-New Synagogue / Spanish Synagogue / Maisel Synagogue / Pinkas Synagogue. - Official website: https://www.jewishmuseum.cz/en
- How long to spend: 45-75 minutes, longer if you enjoy reading labels and studying objects closely.
- Accessibility: Generally manageable, but historic buildings can involve steps and uneven thresholds; plan for some limitations.
- Facilities: Facilities are limited within individual sites; plan breaks in nearby cafés in Josefov or Old Town.
- Photography tip: If photography is allowed, focus on architectural symmetry and the quiet interior space rather than trying to capture reflective glass cases.
- Guided tours: A guide can add context, but the exhibitions are also very workable self-guided if you prefer moving at your own pace.
- Nearby food options: Josefov is compact, so it’s easy to step away from the busiest street for a quieter coffee before continuing.
Where to Stay close to the Maisel Synagogue
For a central, comfortable base within easy walking distance of Josefov, The Emblem Prague Hotel is well placed for early starts in the Jewish Quarter and easy returns for breaks. If you prefer a boutique hotel with a calmer feel near the center, Maximilian Hotel is a strong choice for combining Josefov with riverside walks. For a classic upscale Old Town stay with excellent walkability and transport links, Hotel Kings Court makes it easy to balance Josefov sites with the rest of central Prague.
Is the Maisel Synagogue Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you value understanding over spectacle. The Maisel Synagogue is not primarily about a single dramatic visual moment; it's about building a coherent picture of Jewish life through objects, timelines, and lived detail.
It also helps balance a Josefov itinerary. After emotionally intense memorial spaces, this visit can feel grounding-still serious, still reflective, but more explanatory, giving you historical structure that strengthens everything you see afterward.
What Other Travellers Say...
Jewish Museum in Prague at Maiselova 15 presents a collection across several historic sites that traces Prague's Jewish story; visitors say a single ticket grants multi‑day access to multiple synagogues and museums, the displays can be very moving and the outdoor cemetery leaves a strong impression, while the Spanish Synagogue is often highlighted for its artistry and the Maisel Synagogue for its historical displays; the indoor exhibition space is described as compact, the site is well organized though queues and security can create long waits so many recommend arriving early for the cemetery, and there's a café on site praised for homemade soups, pastries and friendly service.
FAQs for Visiting Maisel Synagogue
For Different Travelers
Families with Kids
For families, the Maisel Synagogue is a good choice because it's object-focused, and objects are often easier for kids to engage with than long text. Keep the visit selective: choose a few standout cases, talk through what the items were used for, and then move on before attention fades.
If you’re doing several Josefov sites, consider making this one your “learning anchor” and keeping heavier memorial spaces shorter. A café break afterward can also help balance the day.
Couples & Romantic Getaways
For couples, this is a thoughtful cultural stop that adds depth to a Prague itinerary. The calm interior and the focused displays encourage a slower pace, and it's the kind of visit that often sparks conversation about how communities preserve identity through everyday objects and ritual.
Pair it with a gentle walk afterward-either deeper into Josefov or toward the river-so the museum experience blends naturally into the day rather than feeling like an isolated “museum hour.”
Budget Travelers
Budget travelers can get strong value here because it’s typically included in a multi-site Jewish Museum ticket, turning one purchase into several substantial visits. Start early so you can visit multiple sites on foot without transport costs, and prioritize the locations that give you the clearest narrative.
If you’re cutting paid sights, keep in mind that Maisel offers a lot of historical context in one place, which can make the rest of Josefov more meaningful even if you don’t pay to enter every single site.
History Buffs
History-focused travelers will appreciate Maisel for its structured narrative and tangible artifacts. It’s an excellent place to understand early community life and the constraints under which Jewish residents lived, because the objects make those realities concrete.
For a coherent “history loop,” pair it with the cemetery for continuity across centuries and the Pinkas Synagogue for the 20th-century rupture. That combination gives a fuller, more honest arc of Prague's Jewish history within a compact walking area.
Nearby Attractions to the Maisel Synagogue
- Jewish Town Hall: A landmark civic building closely tied to Josefov’s community life and identity.
- Old Jewish Cemetery: A haunting, densely layered burial ground that conveys centuries of remembrance in a compact space.
- Pinkas Synagogue: A profound Holocaust memorial that turns names and children's drawings into a silent record of loss.
- Spanish Synagogue: A visually spectacular Moorish Revival interior that provides a striking contrast within Josefov.
- Old-New Synagogue: A medieval Gothic synagogue with a powerful atmosphere and enduring legends connected to Rabbi Löw.
The Maisel Synagogue appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Summer: 9:00 – 18:00; Winter: 9:00 – 16:30; (open every day except Saturdays and Jewish holidays)
Old Jewish Cemetery / Old-New Synagogue / Spanish Synagogue / Maisel Synagogue / Pinkas Synagogue.
Adults: CZK 600
Nearby Attractions
- Jewish Museum of Prague (0.1) km
Museum - High Synagogue (0.1) km
Synagogue - Old Jewish Cemetery (0.1) km
Cemetery - St Nicholas Church(Old Town) (0.1) km
Church - Old-New Synagogue (0.1) km
Synagogue - Pinkas Synagogue (0.1) km
Monument - Klausen Synagogue (0.2) km
Synagogue - Ceremonial Hall (0.2) km
Historic Building - New City Hall (0.2) km
Town Hall - Spanish Synagogue (0.2) km
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