Old-New Synagogue, Prague
Synagogue in Prague
In the Jewish Quarter, the Old-New Synagogue feels different from the moment you spot its thick Gothic walls and modest exterior. It is one of the must-see places in Prague not because it tries to impress, but because it quietly carries the weight of centuries in a space that still functions as a working synagogue.
The atmosphere is solemn and intensely memorable, especially if you arrive early and let the details emerge slowly-stone ribs overhead, narrow windows, and the central bimah that anchors the room. Even if you only have a day in Josefov, it can be a highlight of any walking tour of Prague because it connects architecture, faith, and local legend in one compact, powerful visit.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Old-New Synagogue
- Things to See and Do in the Old-New Synagogue
- How to Get to the Old-New Synagogue
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Old-New Synagogue
- Where to Stay close to the Old-New Synagogue
- Is the Old-New Synagogue Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Old-New Synagogue
- For Different Travelers
- Nearby Attractions to the Old-New Synagogue
History and Significance of the Old-New Synagogue
Completed in the late 13th century, the Old-New Synagogue is widely regarded as the oldest continuously operating synagogue in Europe and one of Prague's earliest Gothic structures. The name is a historical quirk: it was once the “new” synagogue, later becoming “old-new” as additional synagogues appeared in the neighborhood and the label stuck.
Architecturally, it is defined by medieval restraint. Unlike later synagogues nearby that embrace ornament and color, this building communicates through stone, proportion, and shadow. The twin-nave layout and ribbed vaulting create a distinctly Gothic rhythm, while the interior arrangement keeps attention on worship rather than spectacle.
Its cultural significance extends beyond architecture into Prague’s narrative imagination. The synagogue is inseparable from the legend of Rabbi Judah Loew and the Golem, said to have been created to protect the Jewish community and hidden in the attic after being rendered dormant. Whether you treat the story as folklore or metaphor, it amplifies the feeling that this building is not just historic, but alive with meaning.
Things to See and Do in the Old-New Synagogue
Inside, the first impression is the austerity: thick walls, a vaulted ceiling, and a dimness that encourages quiet. Take time to look up at the ribbed vaults and notice how the room’s geometry shapes the mood-intimate, enclosed, and focused.
The central bimah is the visual and spiritual anchor, with seating arranged around it in a way that reinforces the synagogue’s role as a living space of prayer. Small details matter here more than grand décor: ironwork, stone textures, and the way light falls through Gothic windows.
If you’re interested in local storytelling, this is the place in Josefov where Prague’s most famous Jewish legend feels closest to the street. You cannot access the attic, but even the idea of it adds a layer of tension and mystery that sets this synagogue apart from everything around it.
How to Get to the Old-New Synagogue
The Old-New Synagogue is in Josefov near Old Town, and it's easy to reach on foot once you're in central Prague, especially if you're already visiting other Jewish Quarter sites.
If you're 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're coming by rail, Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station) links 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 typically arrive at Florenc, which is well connected by metro for a quick transfer toward Old Town.
Driving into Josefov is rarely convenient due to limited parking and heavy pedestrian traffic, so it’s best to park outside the core and finish by public transport or walking.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Old-New Synagogue
- Suggested tips: Aim for a quiet time slot and keep your visit unhurried; this is a place that rewards stillness more than speed.
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds and a calmer atmosphere.
- 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: 30-45 minutes inside, plus extra time if you’re pairing it with nearby synagogue and cemetery stops.
- Accessibility: Expect uneven paving outside and possible steps at the entrance; interior circulation is limited and seating is fixed.
- Facilities: Facilities are minimal on-site; plan breaks at nearby cafés and use public amenities in Old Town as needed.
- Photography tip: Photography rules may be restricted; assume no flash and follow posted guidance to keep the space respectful.
- Guided tours: A Jewish Quarter guide can help you separate verified history from legend while still enjoying both layers of the experience.
- Nearby food options: Josefov is compact, so it’s easy to step a few streets away for better-value cafés, then return to continue your route.
Where to Stay close to the Old-New Synagogue
For a sleek, central base within easy walking distance of Josefov, Hotel Josef is a reliable choice that keeps you close to the Jewish Quarter without feeling trapped in the busiest lanes. If you want a calmer boutique atmosphere just outside the densest tourist flow, Maximilian Hotel is well placed for Josefov and riverside walks. For a more classic Old Town stay with strong walkability and an upscale feel, Hotel Kings Court makes it easy to reach Josefov early, before the streets get crowded.
Is the Old-New Synagogue Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you want a Prague experience that feels authentic rather than curated. The Old-New Synagogue is not designed to dazzle; it's designed to endure, and that endurance is exactly what makes the visit powerful.
It’s also one of the few places in the city where legend and lived tradition sit so close together. Whether you come for Gothic architecture, Jewish history, or the story of the Golem, the atmosphere is the kind you remember long after you’ve left Josefov.
FAQs for Visiting Old-New Synagogue
What Other Travellers Say...
The Old-New Synagogue, located in Staré Město in Prague, is a well-preserved Gothic house of Jewish worship famed in local tradition; visitors describe a peaceful, solemn atmosphere with vaulted stone ceilings, ornate arches and cozy interior that make it an evocative place for reflection and connection to Jewish culture. Tours and audio guides are available and recommended for the historical context; a small entrance fee applies and you can also buy a pass covering multiple synagogues. Expect crowds at peak times but the main sights are compact and can be seen relatively quickly, and the synagogue sits conveniently near Old Town square with shops and places to eat nearby.
For Different Travelers
Families with Kids
For families, the best approach is to keep the visit short and set expectations about quiet behavior before you enter. Focus on the “castle-like” Gothic feel and a few easy details-stone ribs overhead, narrow windows, and the central layout-so the experience stays engaging without turning into a long lesson.
Plan a reward stop afterward, like a café or a riverside stroll, to keep the day balanced. Josefov is compact, so you can combine a meaningful visit with plenty of movement and fresh air.
Couples & Romantic Getaways
For couples, this is a uniquely atmospheric stop that feels intimate even in the center of the city. The dim, medieval interior encourages slower pacing and quiet conversation, and it makes a strong contrast to Prague’s more decorative landmarks.
Follow it with something gentle-coffee nearby or a walk along the river-so you can let the mood settle. It’s the kind of place that adds depth to a trip, especially when paired with a slower Josefov wander.
Budget Travelers
Budget travelers should prioritize the Old-New Synagogue if you're spending selectively on sites that feel truly unique. The experience is compact but high-impact, and it's easy to combine with free walking time in Josefov and Old Town.
To maximize value, plan your route so you’re not backtracking and aim for off-peak visiting times, when you can absorb the interior without feeling rushed by crowds.
Nearby Attractions to the Old-New Synagogue
- Old Jewish Cemetery: An intensely evocative burial ground where layered gravestones compress centuries of community history into a small space.
- Jewish Town Hall: A landmark civic building known for its Hebrew clock and its close connection to Josefov’s communal life.
- Maisel Synagogue: A museum synagogue that helps contextualize Jewish history in Prague through curated exhibitions and artifacts.
- Spanish Synagogue: A striking Moorish Revival interior that offers a dramatic visual contrast to the Old-New Synagogue's restraint.
- Rudolfinum: A grand riverside concert hall that’s perfect for an evening cultural plan after a reflective day in Josefov.
The Old-New 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
- High Synagogue (0.0) km
Synagogue - Jewish Museum of Prague (0.1) km
Museum - Klausen Synagogue (0.1) km
Synagogue - Old Jewish Cemetery (0.1) km
Cemetery - Ceremonial Hall (0.1) km
Historic Building - Maisel Synagogue (0.1) km
Synagogue - Pinkas Synagogue (0.1) km
Monument - Spanish Synagogue (0.2) km
Synagogue - Museum of Decorative Arts (0.2) km
Museum - Jan Palach Square (0.2) km
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