Prague Jewish Quarter and The Jewish Synagogues

Prague Jewish Quarter also known as Josefov is located between Old Town Square and Vltava river. The history of Jewish quarter dates back to the 13th century when the Jewish people were ordered to vacate their homes and many people expelled from Moravia, Germany, Austria  and Spain were forced to settle in this one area rather than anywhere else in Prague. There are about eight synagogues and an Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague. Some of the Jewish cemeteries conquered by the Nazis were destroyed. But Hitler ordered Old Jewish Cemetery to be preserved to serve as a part of the museum after all the Jews had been decimated.

Jewish Synagogues in Prague:

Maisel Synagogue:

The Maisel Synagogue was built in 1592 in Renaissance style by Joseph Wahl. It was erected on the basis of privilege granted by Emperor Rudolph II. This was the first Prague synagogue accessible to women. Maisel Synagogue was severely damaged in the Ghetto fire of 1689 which devoured it completely and was rebuilt and further reconstructed several times.

History of Maisel Synagogue:

The synagogue was used as a warehouse during the World War II. The Nazis assembled around six thousand pieces of art work that came from 153 synagogues in Bohemia and Moravia.

Old New Synagogue: 

Old New Synagogue is one of the most oldest extant synagogue in Europe built around 13th century.

Legends of Old New Synagogue:

There are numerous legends and tales associated with Old New Synagogue. The synagogue was once defended against fire in the ghetto by the wings of angels transformed into doves. The legend of Golem, an artificial creature made of clay by Rabi Jehud Löwa ben Bezalel during the 16 ^th century is associated with the Old New Synagogue. The monster was created intentionally to defend and help the Jews during bad times. Due to the aggressive and violent behavior of Golem, he was made dead again by Rabi Lowa.

Jubilee Synagogue:

It is also known as Jerusalem synagogue since it is located on Jerusalem Street. Jubilee Synagogue was built in 1906 designed by Wilhelm Stiassny in Art Nouveau and Pseudo Moorish styles,. The synagogue got its name on the 50th anniversary of the reign of Franz Joseph I of Austria.

Spanish Synagogue:

Spanish Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogue built in 1868, designed in a Moorish style by Vojtech Ignatz Ullmann.  The composer of Czech National Anthem Frantisek Skroup served as organist here from 1836-1845.

Pinkas Synagogue:

It is the second oldest preserved synagogue in Prague built in the late Gothic style during 16th century designed by Aaron Meshulam Horowitz. Pinkas Synagogue was severely damaged by flood back in the year 2002. The nave and hall was filled with water and the statics of the building was affected but later restored.

Klausen Synagogue:

Klausen Synagogue is the biggest and second main synagogue in Prague Jewish town located near Old Jewish Cemetery. It was built by Mordechai Maisel and the legendary Rabi Loëw during the 16th century after the disastrous Ghetto fire of 1689.

High Synagogue (City Hall Synagogue):

The High Synagogue was designed by P. Roder in Renaissance style in 1577 as a private synagogue for the Jewish council.

Smichov Synagogue:

Smichov Synagogue was constructed in 1863. It was designed in Moresque and New-Romanesque style.

History of Smichov Synagogue:

The synagogue was attacked in December 1897 by mob of rioters who ransacked and caused violent public disorder in the Smichov district. It was later reconstructed in 1930 by Leopold Ehrmann and gave it a modern outlook.

Old Jewish Cemetery:

Old Jewish Cemetery is the second oldest cemetery in Europe. It was discovered during the first half of 15th century. About 12,000  tombstones are present in the cemetery decorated with animal and plant motifs. Some of the prominent figures are buried here:

·        Scholar and Teacher Rabbi Judah Loew Ben Bezalel in 1609. He was the one who created the famous Golem, a monster made of clay to defend the Jews during bad times.

·         The Scholar and Poet Avigdor Kara in 1439.

·         Aaron Meshulam Horowitz, the founder of Pinkas Synagogue in 1545.

·         The mayor and developer of Prague Jewish Town Mordecai Maisel in 1601.

·         David Gans, the famous renaissance scholar, historian, mathematician and astronomer in 1613   and

·         Rabbi David Oppenheim, the collector of Hebrew manuscripts and books in 1736.

Prague: The City of Hundred Spires

Planning a vacation to Czech Republic? To get a fair look at any country one must venture beyond its prominent cities. Czech Republic has a world of cultural riches outside of Prague. Get beyond Prague and explore the country's medieval towns. As you stroll through the rugged woods and ornate castles, you will feel as if you're walking through the garden of the childhood dreams. The harmonic landscape of Bohemian Massif offers plenty of space for relaxation as you trudge through the Bohemian countryside in the midst of the mountains.

The Czech Republic in Central Europe is well known for its royal castles, lovely chateaux, charming gardens, ancient treasures, legends and mysteries. Prague which is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic is home to a 9th century castle.

Prague : 

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic bisected by the Vltava river. It is also the historical capital of Bohemia and of the Roman empire. Prague has been a mix of waxing and waning fortunes during its 1100 year existence. Nicknamed  "The City of a Hundred Spires" has one of most rich and diverse culture along with its artistic highlights from many different centuries and architectural aesthetics.

Top Attractions in Prague:

Prague Castle

Prague Castle (Hradcany Castle): Prague castle is one of the largest castle in the world and an ancient symbol of the Czech lands. It is one of the most noteworthy Czech monument and important cultural institutions in Czech Republic. The whole castle grounds are dominated by the monumental St. Vitus cathedral. It is the largest coherent castle complex that covers area of almost 18 acres consisting of ecclesiastical buildings and large scale composition of palaces.

History of Prague Castle:

The Prague castle was built around 880 AD by prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid dynasty. The castle was heavily fortified with a moat and ramparts of clay and stones. The biggest development came in the 14th century during the reign of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV (1346-1378). The royal palace were rebuilt, fortifications were strengthened and St. Vitus Cathedral was set up. St.Vitus basilica was the main castle since the 11th century where the relics of the patron saints of the land are kept. New fortifications and defense towers were built in 1483 when the king of the new dynasty of Jagellons made the castle his seat. During the course of 16th century, the Royal Garden was created as an Italian garden for exclusive use of royals in the Prague Castle. The Summer Palace, the Ball Game Hall, a shooting range and the Lion's Court were build for entertainment purposes. The Prague defenestration in 1618, deliberately damaged the Prague castle during the long period of wars. In 1848, after Emperor Ferdinand V renounced his throne, he chose Prague castle as his home and later the Chapel of the Holy Cross on the Second Courtyard was rebuilt. For the coronation of Francis Joseph I, The Spanish Hall and The Rudolph gallery was set up which however did not occur. Even today reconstructions and alterations of the ground of Prague castle are still in progress. Apart from being the seat of head of state, Prague castle is an important cultural and historical monument in Czech Republic where the Crown jewels are kept along with the relics of Bohemian kings, precious Christian relics, art treasures and historical documents. Prague castle is considered as an embodiment of historical tradition of the Czech state, linking the present with the past.

Charles Bridge:  

In 1357, Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV commissioned the Charles bridge. It is a stone gothic bridge that connects the Old Town and Lesser Town (Malá Strana). It was actually known as Stone bridge for several centuries. This stunning bridge spans 16 arches lined with 30 Baroque statues of religious figures. The bridge is built of sandstone blocks flanked at each end by fortified towers. It is said that to strengthen the construction of the bridge, egg yolks were mixed into the mortar.

Charles Bridge

History of Charles Bridge:

Charles Bridge is only one among many monuments that were built during King Charles reign. But it is not the first bridge that crossed the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. Another bridge known as the Judith Bridge built around 1172 was the first stone bridge that used to stand in its place. It collapsed in a flood in 1342.

Old Town Bridge Tower:

Old Town Bridge Tower

A beautiful Gothic tower guarding one end of Charles bridge built by Emperor Charles IV during the mid 14th century.

Baroque statues:

The statue  St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech martyr saint is probably the one noteworthy who was executed during the reign of Wenceslas IV being thrown into the Vltava river from the bridge.

St.John Of Nepomuk Statue

Old Town Square: 

It is one of the two main squares in Prague located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge. One of the most splendid historical sites in Europe with its ancient buildings and ecclesiastical hierarchy. A hodgepodge of architectural styles like the Romanesque, The Rococo Kinsky palace, The Gothic Tyn Cathedral and The Baroque St. Nicholas Church are all represented around the square.

Old Town Square

Wenceslas Square:  

Formerly known as Koňský trh (Horse Market) which was intended to trade with horses. It is another main city square in Prague New Town laid out by Charles IV in 1348, a boulevard with a clear span of 750m long by 60m wide. It is a place where many historical events took place in 20th century which is now a shopper's paradise and nightlife centre of Prague.

Wenceslas Square

Mala Strana: 

Malá Strana or Lesser Town district is located around foothills of Prague castle across the Vltava river from the Old Town. It was founded by King Ottokar II of Bohemia in 1257. Mala Strana was devastated twice during the battle between the Hussites and the Prague Castle garrison in 1419 followed by The Great Fire of Prague in 1514.

Mala Strana

Tyn Church:  

Formerly known as The Church of Our Lady dominates one side of the Old Town Square. One of the most magnificent Gothic religious buildings constructed in 1385. The church's gothic towers soar 260 ft into the sky. The building was once a 11th century Romanesque church where the foreign merchants came to Tyn courtyard for trading goods.

Tyn Church

 Prague Astronomical Clock:  

Prague Astronomical clock or Prague Orloj is a medieval astronomical clock is considered one of the wonders of the world. It was built by Master Hanus in 1410. It is a complicated, ancient Orloj that reveals Babylonian time, Old Bohemian time, German time, sidereal time, sunrise and sunset, different phases of the moon.

Prague Astronomical Clock

Old New Synagogue:  

Old New Synagogue is one of the most oldest extant synagogue in Europe built around 13th century.

Legends of Old New Synagogue:

There are numerous legends and tales associated with Old New Synagogue. The synagogue was once defended against fire in the ghetto by the wings of angels transformed into doves. The legend of Golem, an artificial creature made of clay by Rabi Jehud Löwa ben Bezalel during the 16 ^th century is connected to the Old New Synagogue. The monster was created intentionally to defend and help the Jews during bad times. Due to the aggressive and violent behavior of Golem, he was made dead again by Rabi Lowa.

Old New Synagogue

Dancing House: 

The Dancing House or Fred and Ginger is the nickname given to one of the most interesting Prague houses built at the end of the 20th century. Its design is very unique and striking as the house represents a man and a woman dancing together. Architects Vlado Milunc and the American Frank Owen Gehry constructed Dancing House between 1992-1996.

Dancing House

Powder Tower:  

The Gothic Powder Tower in Prague stretches back to the 11th century which formerly served as the gunpowder store. The Czech Kings proceeded to the coronation through this gate. The viewing gallery spans 44metres in height. Inside the tower, there is a spiral staircase with 186 steps leading up to the gallery.

Powder Tower

This world is a very fascinating place. It is full of natural wonders and fantastic man-made creations. It would take more than a life time to visit all these places. Though it would be ideal to do so, very few only can achieve this. The spirit of wanderlust is in each one of us. It is this which motivated the great explorers and adventurers of earlier centuries to go on risky expeditions. But we are immersed in the rough and tumble of life with very little time and money to spare and have no opportunity to visit far off places. But nothing prevents us to fantasize about such travels and derive vicarious pleasure. This blog is devoted to throw open the windows to known and unknown wonders of the world, so that we may quench our wanderlust.