
Maisel Synagogue, Prague
Like the Jewish Town Hall and the Klausen and High Synagogues, the Maisel Synagogue owes its existence to the generosity of Mordecai Maisel—a wealthy philanthropist, influential mayor of Prague’s Jewish Town, and key figure at the court of Emperor Rudolf II. Constructed in the late 16th century, it was not only one of the most splendid synagogues of its time but also the first in Prague to welcome women into its services. The original structure was built in the Renaissance style; however, the Great Fire of 1689 devastated much of the building. A Baroque redesign followed, only to be replaced in the late 19th century by the neo-Gothic façade you see today.
Inside, the synagogue now serves as a museum space dedicated to the history of Jewish life in the Czech lands, with a focus on the period leading up to the late 18th century. The whitewashed walls create a quiet, contemplative setting for the exhibition. Displayed in glass cases are finely crafted ritual objects: gold and silver Hanukkah lamps, Torah scrolls adorned with embroidered mantles, and delicately worked ceremonial items. Some pieces offer curious insights into social customs, such as the starched ruffs once worn by unmarried Jewish boys from the age of twelve.
Many of the most exquisite artifacts come from the golden age of the 16th and early 17th centuries—a time when Prague’s Jewish community flourished culturally and economically. There is a certain tragic irony, however: a large number of these items were brought to Prague during the Nazi occupation, seized from synagogues across Bohemia and Moravia with the intent of showcasing them in a planned “museum of an extinct race.”
Adding a modern layer to the experience, interactive displays allow to explore historical maps and biographies of notable figures. A highlight is the immersive video installation “Flight Over the Prague Jewish Town”, projected on a large screen and based on Antonín Langweil’s 19th-century paper model of the city—a rare bird’s-eye view into the vanished world of the former ghetto.
Inside, the synagogue now serves as a museum space dedicated to the history of Jewish life in the Czech lands, with a focus on the period leading up to the late 18th century. The whitewashed walls create a quiet, contemplative setting for the exhibition. Displayed in glass cases are finely crafted ritual objects: gold and silver Hanukkah lamps, Torah scrolls adorned with embroidered mantles, and delicately worked ceremonial items. Some pieces offer curious insights into social customs, such as the starched ruffs once worn by unmarried Jewish boys from the age of twelve.
Many of the most exquisite artifacts come from the golden age of the 16th and early 17th centuries—a time when Prague’s Jewish community flourished culturally and economically. There is a certain tragic irony, however: a large number of these items were brought to Prague during the Nazi occupation, seized from synagogues across Bohemia and Moravia with the intent of showcasing them in a planned “museum of an extinct race.”
Adding a modern layer to the experience, interactive displays allow to explore historical maps and biographies of notable figures. A highlight is the immersive video installation “Flight Over the Prague Jewish Town”, projected on a large screen and based on Antonín Langweil’s 19th-century paper model of the city—a rare bird’s-eye view into the vanished world of the former ghetto.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Maisel Synagogue on Map
Sight Name: Maisel Synagogue
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
New Town Walking Tour
The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word “práh”, which means “rapid”, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word “práh”, which means “rapid”, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter of Prague carries over a thousand years of memory etched into its streets, synagogues, and gravestones. Jewish communities began settling in this area as early as the 10th century, and although they were later forced into a walled ghetto, they cultivated a vibrant cultural and intellectual life—especially during the 16th century, a golden age shaped by the influence of Rabbi... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Malá Strana, or the “Lesser Town,” lies along the left bank of the Vltava River and remains one of Prague’s most charming and historically layered districts. In medieval times, it was primarily settled by ethnic Germans, and even as Baroque architecture reshaped the neighborhood following the devastating fire of 1541, the area held onto its Germanic roots for generations. Its location near... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Prague’s Old Town is a living tapestry of medieval roots and vibrant modern life, wrapped in narrow cobblestone streets and brimming with architectural treasures. Once a self-contained settlement, it was protected by a semi-circular moat and a fortified wall, both tracing the curve of the Vltava River. Although the moat is long gone, its path survives in the form of key streets—most notably Na... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Prague’s Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible—an atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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