High Synagogue, Prague

A refined example of Renaissance architecture in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, the High Synagogue was funded by one of the wealthiest figures in 16th-century Prague—philanthropist Mordechai Maisel. Completed in 1568, it was strategically built next to the Jewish Town Hall and initially served as a venue for the council’s deliberations and the seat of the Rabbinic Court.

The name “High Synagogue” refers to the elevated location of the main prayer hall, which was constructed on the upper floor, giving it both symbolic and practical prominence. Though the building suffered considerable damage during the Great Fire of 1689, restoration efforts were swift and thorough. One of the original features that survived is the ribbed vaulted ceiling, with its striking eight-pointed star motif—a detail that continues to catch the eye today. Later, in 1883, the structure was renovated again, lending it the more understated exterior we see now.

During the Nazi occupation and the Communist era, the synagogue functioned as an exhibition space for the Jewish Museum, showcasing, Torah textiles, ceremonial silverwork, and rare Hebrew manuscripts. After the Velvet Revolution, a bookshop was opened on the premises, focusing on Holocaust literature and Jewish studies.

Since 1997, the High Synagogue has once again been consecrated as a place of worship. Although not open to casual visitors, those who attend services or gain access can view beautifully preserved Torah scrolls and elaborately embroidered mantles—objects that speak not only of ritual, but of continuity across generations.