Jewish Museum in Prague

Overview

The Jewish Museum in Prague comprises six historic sites in Josefov, including four synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Ceremonial Hall. Together they document 1,000 years of Jewish life in Bohemia and one of Europe's most tragically significant Jewish heritage sites.

Highlights

• Old Jewish Cemetery: 12,000 visible tombstones layered up to 12 deep over 300 years (1439–1787).
• Pinkas Synagogue: The walls list the names of 77,297 Czech and Moravian Jews murdered in the Holocaust.
• Old-New Synagogue: Europe's oldest active synagogue (c. 1270), still used for services.

History

The Jewish community has existed in Prague since the 10th century. The Nazis preserved the sites as a planned 'museum of an extinct race'—their perverse irony ensured the collection's survival.

Visitor Tips

• Combined ticket: Covers all six sites (€15–20). The Old-New Synagogue requires a separate ticket.
• Closed Saturdays: All sites close for Shabbat.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.