The topic of the article crossed my mind on a Monday walk through the Old Town and its surroundings. I had a lot of time for ten days and it doesn't happen to me that often. After school, I did not go home and instead went to the streets to get new photos to have something to post on Instagram. Whenever I go, I have two rules. I don't care where to go and take pictures of anything. And why do I have any rules at all? It's easy. When I go somewhere specifically, I don't mind other beautiful places around me.
Again, it paid off because on that Monday I accidentally found myself in front of the Pinkas Synagogue and realized that I have zero articles on the blog about them. After the little tour of mine, I went to my favorite cafe, I started to devote myself to the Jewish community, which is an important part of Czech history. Thanks to one of the seminar work and other resources, I found so much on the internet.
Jews began to settle in Bohemian between the 9th - 10th century. At that time, there was a Jewish settlement in the area of today's Újezd, where the Oldest Synagogue in Prague stood. We know only that because of the fire in 1142, the synagogue wasn't restored.
Later, the community moved to the other side of the Vltava river, where new synagogues were gradually built. There was a Jewish Town, which was also called a ghetto. Historically, the Jewish community has been oppressed. Especially during the communist regime. In the 19th century, this place turned into a slum. It was later built up and today this place with preserved Jewish synagogues and cemetery is called Josefov. There are also other places with synagogues in Prague, such as Smíchov and Vinohrady.
The first and also the oldest synagogue in Central Europe is the Old-New Synagogue. Still used for religious ceremonies. Located in Red Street, as well as the High Synagogue. Which was built due to floods, when water flooded other synagogues.
The second oldest synagogue is Pinkasova, located in Siroka Street. Built in the 16th century thanks to one prominent family member named Aron Meshulama Horovic. The synagogue today serves as a memorial to the victims who died during the Holocaust.
The largest synagogue is called Klaus Synagogue built in the early Baroque style. It is located in U Stareho hrbitova street. There is also an extensive Jewish cemetery.
The last synagogue is Maiselova. Built upon the wish of a prominent Prague patron Mordechai Maisel. It is also named after him and its located on Maisel Street. This synagogue has been rebuilt many times and today it is in Neo-Gothic style.
Pinkasova, Maiselova, Klausova, as well as the Spanish and Smichov synagogues, belong to the Jewish Museum. The others belong to the Jewish community.
Lastly, I would like to invite you to attend the concert of classical music: Hallelujah in Spanish Synagogue in Prague. The concert takes place on 25.4. For more information, visit our website.