
Maisel Synagogue, Prague
South of the New Old Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, you will find the Maisel Synagogue which today belongs to the Jewish Museum and, just as many other buildings in Prague, is used as an exhibition hall.
Set on 20 pillars, the synagogue was built in 1592 by Josef Wahl as a private place of prayer for Mordechai Maisel, the rich philanthropist who also commissioned the Klausen and High synagogues and the Jewish Town Hall. It is also the first synagogue in Prague to be open to women.
Originally styled as Renaissance, the synagogue was badly damaged during the Great Fire of 1689, upon which it was rebuilt with a Baroque façade. The current Neo-Gothic façade dates to the late 19th century.
The inside exhibition recounts history of the Jewish settlement in the Czech lands, featuring artefacts from the 10th and 11th centuries, including Czech dinars. Medieval and early modern settlement exhibits contain manuscripts relating to the persecution of Czech Jews and anti-Semitism in Europe. On the central platform of the main nave there is a stunning display of synagogue's silver including a Levite laver and basin made in 1702 by Jan Jiri Lux. You will also see Bohemian and Moravian synagogue curtains and manuscripts of the works of 12th-18th century scholars.
It is quite ironical to realize that most of the precious artefacts on display here now have been brought to Prague by the Nazis themselves.
Set on 20 pillars, the synagogue was built in 1592 by Josef Wahl as a private place of prayer for Mordechai Maisel, the rich philanthropist who also commissioned the Klausen and High synagogues and the Jewish Town Hall. It is also the first synagogue in Prague to be open to women.
Originally styled as Renaissance, the synagogue was badly damaged during the Great Fire of 1689, upon which it was rebuilt with a Baroque façade. The current Neo-Gothic façade dates to the late 19th century.
The inside exhibition recounts history of the Jewish settlement in the Czech lands, featuring artefacts from the 10th and 11th centuries, including Czech dinars. Medieval and early modern settlement exhibits contain manuscripts relating to the persecution of Czech Jews and anti-Semitism in Europe. On the central platform of the main nave there is a stunning display of synagogue's silver including a Levite laver and basin made in 1702 by Jan Jiri Lux. You will also see Bohemian and Moravian synagogue curtains and manuscripts of the works of 12th-18th century scholars.
It is quite ironical to realize that most of the precious artefacts on display here now have been brought to Prague by the Nazis themselves.
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 iTunes 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.
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
It would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original. We've compiled a list of gifts and souvenirs, which are unique to Prague, that a visitor might like to purchase to reflect their visit.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
The Staré Město (Old Town) of Prague is a former medieval settlement that is now a lively cobblestoned hub with landmark attractions.
The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na Příkopě (literally “On the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na Příkopě (literally “On the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Malá Strana ("Lesser Town") is a district of Prague, one of the most historically significant in the Czech capital. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, largely retained its Germanic vibe despite prevalence of the Baroque style in architecture.
The most prominent landmark of Malá Strana is the Wallenstein Palace. There are... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
The most prominent landmark of Malá Strana is the Wallenstein Palace. There are... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is home to a wealth of attractions, including more than ten major museums, numerous theatres, galleries, and plethora of historic sights.
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word práh, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word práh, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Josefov, formerly the Jewish ghetto of Prague, is part of the city's Old Town (Staré Město). Steeped in history, it breathes Jewish culture. Some of the beautiful and historically important synagogues here are still acting, whereas others have been converted to art galleries and museums. This self-guided tour will help you find your way around and explore the most interesting sites of... 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
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Hradcany, or the Castle District, is the area surrounding Prague Castle, said to be the biggest castle complex in the world. Going back in history as far as the 9th century, the castle has been the seat of power for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, leaders of Czechoslovakia and is currently the President's official residence. Located nearby is St. Vitus' Cathedral, a symbol of Czech... 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
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Czech Sweets and Pastries
Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Czechs have duly absorbed the dessert-making know-how of their Austrian neighbors to complement their own confectionery heritage deeply rooted in the Eastern European, Slavic tradition. The end result of such cultural blend is the abundance of pastries,...
Prague Shopping: 16 Distinctively Czech Products to Bring Home
Previously known mainly for its beer and ice-hockey (both for a very good reason), today's Czech Republic - and, primarily, its capital city Prague - is seen among the top European tourist destinations emerged following the breakup of the Soviet Bloc. A shooting ground for some Hollywood...