Jewish Prague | World Jewish Travel

Jewish city story of Prague

Introduction to Jewish Prague

Journeying through the streets of Prague is akin to stepping into the pages of a vibrant Jewish storybook. From the early settlements in the city's heart, marking the beginnings of the Jewish Quarter, to the bustling modern city, Jewish heritage is intricately woven into Prague's cultural tapestry. This city has been the canvas for significant Jewish figures such as the Maharal of Prague, the creator of the legendary Golem, and the world-renowned writer Franz Kafka. Today, we invite you to an exploration of Jewish Prague, a city that forever echoes the stories of its past and resonates with the pulse of its present.

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THE BEST OF Prague

Prague Old Town and Jewish Quarter

and 5 other Tours

Yvonne Weisgrab Penkavova

and 3 other Guides

Hotel Pod Vezi

and 4 other Hotels

Paprika Mediterranean Bistro & Bar

and 4 other Restaurants

קבלו השראה! Get Inspired!

Virtual Tours in the Diaspora

Holocaust Memorial

Jewish Story Videos

Instagram: Restaurants

Shabbat Around The World

Tours In Israel

Jewish Heritage Tours

Cultural Routes

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אתרים מומלצים Sites to see

Pilsen Great Synagogue

The Pilsen Great Synagogue The Pilsen Great Synagogue, built in 1893, sits in Pilsen, where a Jewish presence has existed since the 14th century. The structure was build in a Moorish-Romanesque style and is the third largest synagogue in Europe. Not long after its construction, the Czech Republish Jewish community was nearly destroyed by the Nazis and the Great Synagogue of Pilsen was used as a storage unit for property cleared out Jewish homes. On April 10, 2022, the synagogue re-opened. The reopening consisted of a procession a Torah scroll to the inside ark, words from the Culture Minister and heads of the local, Jewish community, a concert inspired by Jewish prayer, and an opening of a permanent exhibition. A bit over an hour drive from Prague, the Pilsen Great Synagogue is a great place to learn about Jewish heritage in the Czech Republic.

Jerusalem Synagogue

Jubilee Synagogue, also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue, is location on Jerusalem Street in Prague, Czech Republic. It was built in 1906, designed by Wilhelm Stiassny and named in honor of the silver Jubilee of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. The synagogue is designed in Moorish Revival form with Art Nouveau decoration, especially in the interior. It was lately renovated and still serves religious purposes. Since Czechoslovakia became independent in 1918, it has been called the Jerusalem Synagogue as the name Jubilee Synagogue referred to the anniversary of the rule of Franz Joseph I in the defeated Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The facade and form of the synagogue are a hybridized blend of Moorish Revival and Art Nouveau, with horseshoe arches on the facade and on the interior columns supporting the women's galleries in a three-bay building. The Mudéjar red-and-white coursing of the stone facade is particularly striking. Inside, the Moorish elements are overlaid with brilliantly painted Art Nouveau patterning. After a century of being open to the public as a house of worship, except for the period of Nazi German occupation when it was used to store confiscated Jewish property, on 1 April 2008 the Jubilee Synagogue began opening its doors on a regular basis to tourists and aficionados of historic architecture.

The Spanish Synagogue

The Spanish Synagogue was built in the late 19th century, making it one of Prague’s more recent historic synagogues. This is evidenced by its lavish appearance, which is in stark contrast to the other fairly modest synagogues in Josefov. The Spanish Synagogue boasts a well-kept, beautifully detailed facade, with a Spanish Moorish style. Even the impressive exterior is incomparable to the inner section of the synagogue, with its elaborate decorations, intricately designed ceilings, beautiful arches, stained glass windows and an ornate Holy Ark. Once used as a sacred space for prayers, the synagogue today is a museum and concert hall, which is open daily to visitors. Be sure to check the museum’s website for visiting hours as they vary depending on the season.

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Tours of Prague

Prague Old Town and Jewish Quarter

This tour begins at the Jan Palach Square. From there, you will head to some of the main historical synagogues, pass the Jewish Cemetery, and visit the famous astronomical clock in the Old Town. You will learn about Prague’s Jewish history by visiting various landmarks throughout the city and hear about the events that lead up to WWII.

Classic City Bike Tour

Why tour a city on bike? It's much quicker than walking, more fun, you meet other travelers, and you get to enjoy the fresh air and a bit of exercise. On the Classic City Bike Tour you will see Prague's architecture, culture, and history. You will ride through the New Town and Old Town, across the river to Lesser Town, through the Jewish quarter, and to the Old Town Square. While all tours are in English, they can offer the tour in other languages upon request.

Prague Historical River Cruise

This cruise through the waterways of Prague is a great way to relax and learn about the history of Prague through a new perspective. The boat departs from the Charles Bridge and passes the Prague Castle and “The Devil’s Channel” (Čertovka). There are complimentary beverages on board and your ticket will allow you into the Charles Bridge museum where you can continue to learn about the oldest bridge in Prague.

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מסעדות בסגנון יהודי JEWISH STYLE RESTAURANTS

Paprika Mediterranean Bistro & Bar

Paprika is a small, but cozy bistro in Vinohrady, Prague, offering fresh Israeli cuisine the way the restaurant's founders were taught to cook it by their families in Israel. The restaurant opened in July 2017 and continues to provide its signature meals such as Hummus, Sabich, Shawarma, Shakshuka, and Falafel. They also make their own laffa and pita bread, as well as traditional Jerusalem bagels. Paprika is vegan-friendly and imports most of their high quality ingredients directly from Israel, which are also for sale in their online shop. At Paprika, you will find people of different cultures and backgrounds sharing their dining experience side-by-side. By importing their spices and ingredients from Israel, Paprika ensures authentic and outstanding Israeli food for you right in Prague.

La Veranda

La Veranda strives to bring a homey and comfortable feel to its restaurant in both the atmosphere and its dishes. By following a "Happy Meal" philosophy, the chefs work to not only provide customers with the tastiest dishes, but also leave them feeling happy and satisfied. Some of their unique menu items include pumpkin risotto, roasted duck liver, and sea bass with calamari. They also have several dessert specials such as roasted pineapple with gingerbread, cinnamon foam, gingerbread ice cream, and pineapple gel with Malibu! La Veranda is located just in the outskirts of Prague’s Old Town and is a top choice among both locals and tourists that you don't want to miss out on.

Mama Coffee

There are seven Mama Coffee cafes in Prague, making it one of the city's finest coffeehouse chains with quality service and products. The coffee beans they use come from a fair trade practice and are processed in a local European roastery, ensuring the freshest coffee for their customers. Mama Coffee is a perfect place to stop for a warm cup of coffee and one of their several delicious pastries that are baked fresh daily. In 2011, Mama Coffee initiated the Prague Coffee Festival which today remains the largest coffee based event in Eastern Europe. This is a perfect place to stop by and relax after a long day exploring the city or even in the morning to sit and enjoy your first cup of coffee.

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מדריכים בעיר CITY GUIDES

Yvonne Weisgrab Penkavova

Yvonne is a historian, researcher, and fabulous guide. She is sharing content about her research on Jewish heritage and history on her Instagram @Yvonne_Weisgrab. She is a guide in the Prague Jewish Quarter and can also take you on a day trip from Prague to visit synagogues or Jewish heritage in the countryside.

Pavel Batel

Pavel Batel is a historian who works with several colleagues who specialize in the role of Terezin in the Holocaust and the Prague Jewish Quarter. By studying literature, interviewing Holocaust survivors, and visiting archives, Pavel has become a messenger of the past and is extremely knowledgeable about the the history of Terezin ghetto. Pavel and his team of professional guides will take you on a journey through the history of the Jewish people in Prague.

Eva Adamová

Eva is a licensed guide in Prague and several other towns in the Czech Republic, providing interesting and fun tours all over the city. She has in depth knowledge about the historical sites around Prague and knows hidden details that you'd be likely to miss on your own.

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קראו עוד בלוגים וספרים אלקטרוניים READ MORE BLOGS AND EBOOKS

World Jewish Travel Official August 29, 2023

Journey through Jewish Prague: From Early Settlements to the Modern City

Introduction to Jewish Prague Journeying through the streets of Prague is akin to stepping into the pages of a vibrant Jewish storybook. From the early settlements in the city's heart, marking the beginnings of the Jewish Quarter, to the bustling modern city, Jewish heritage is intricately woven into Prague's cultural tapestry. This city has been the canvas for significant Jewish figures such as the Maharal of Prague, the creator of the legendary Golem, and the world-renowned writer Franz Kafka. Today, we invite you to an exploration of Jewish Prague, a city that forever echoes the stories of its past and resonates with the pulse of its present.

Read More

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Hotels in Prague

Hotel Pod Vezi

Hotel Pod Vezi is located in the UNESCO protected area in the city center, right next to the Charles Bridge. If offers stylish modern rooms in a charming atmosphere and is walking distance to Prague's top sites and attractions such as the Prague Castle or Old Town Square.

BoHo Prague Hotel

Located just steps away from the Old Town Square, BoHo Hotel provides its guests with a quiet place to relax that is also conveniently located. It is a place where culture, hospitality, and elegance come together and guests can enjoy their trip in the center of Prague.

K+K Hotel Fenix

K+K Hotel is in the heart of Prague, just minutes away from the best shopping spots, tourist attractions, and nightlife. The multi-lingual staff makes your stay as comfortable as possible and is always happy to offer advice on the best things to do and tips on getting around. The guest rooms come equipped with a mini bar, full climate control, modern amenities, and a stylish bathroom.

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