From Náměstí Republiky, the Republic Square, we walk south past the St. Henry’s Tower to the Jerusalem Synagogue, also known as Jubilee Synagogue.
The Jerusalem Synagogue, a building in Art Nouveau style, lies in the New Town of Prague.
Originally, Josefov, a quarter north of the old town, was the Jewish Town. In 1848, one granted civil rights to Jews in Prague.
Thereupon many people moved to other areas and the buildings decayed. Between 1893 and 1913, one tor off most of the neighborhood and rebuilt new houses, based on the model of Paris.
Since some synagogues were also torn down, one planned a new one. A specially founded association acquired a piece of land in Jerusalem Street. The Jewish architect Wilhelm Stiassny from Vienna planned and Alois Richter executed the construction. Moorish and oriental style elements labeled into the design.
The long interior forms of a three-aisled basilica. The side aisles are separated by arcades. On the upper floor is a gallery with a photo exhibition.
Among other things, you see the keystone certificate of Emperor Franz Josef I here.
The Torah shrine is behind a gilded door. Splendid stained glass windows complete the magnificent colorful building.
The entrance fee is CZK 80 (€ 3,12 per person).
On the way back we come again to the St. Henry’s Tower, built from 1472 – 1475. With a height of 65.7 meters, it is the highest freestanding bell tower in Prague. Originally it was a church tower, but due to the separation of the church, one gave up the church use.
A carillon in the roof of the tower can only be heard inside the tower. Today there are cafes, restaurants, a gallery, and a viewing platform in the tower.
We also pass the Republic Square with the Municipal Hall and the Powder Tower again, before we go to the monument to Franz Kafka.
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More InformationIt shows Franz Kafka on the shoulders of a headless man. The artwork was created by Jaroslav Róna.
Behind it is the Jewish Museum and the Spanish Synagogue.
We stroll through the Parizska Street with its magnificent buildings, built during the rebuilding of the Jewish city.
Here we come to the High Synagogue and next to it to the Old New Synagogue.
The Old New Synagogue is the oldest intact synagogue of Europe and one one of the first Gothic building in Prague. Built in the 13th century, it is still the religious center of the Jews in Prague today.
We asked at the cash desk if filming is allowed and after confirmation, we paid 200 Czech crowns (€ 7,80 per person). What we experienced then leaves us stunned. After turning on my larger camera, an older man with a white cap and a woman with blond curly hair comes towards me (see 5:19). The man points out that the big camera is not allowed while the woman walks past me. I thought that he only allows the small camera and started filming the Torah shrine. At that moment, the blonde woman came back accompanied by a security guard. Without further explanation, he pushed me brusquely towards the exit.
On leaving the room, I still remembered how the man with the white cap yelled at young people because they have moved the seats when sitting down a bit. Until today, I have no explanation for this plebby behavior of these two persons.
Due to this event, I can only recommend every tourist to avoid this synagogue. Besides, it is too expensive.
On the way back we pass the Maisel Synagogue, which serves as a museum. But the issues before covered our desire to visit another synagogue.
We cross the Old Town Square, take some pictures at Wenceslas Square and then go for dinner.
Please read on > By Bus and Train back home to Germany
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