
Old-New Synagogue, Prague
The Old-New Synagogue stands as one the most historically significant landmarks—Europe’s oldest synagogue still in regular use. When first completed in the 13th century, it was known simply as the “New” or “Great” Synagogue. The slightly ironic name “Old-New” came later, after additional synagogues were built nearby during the 16th century.
Unlike the richly adorned buildings that surround it, this synagogue embraces a striking simplicity. The high vaulted ceilings, Gothic arched windows, and unembellished ironwork create a solemn atmosphere that feels both ancient and enduring. One of the most distinctive features is the rare twin-nave layout, thought to be inspired by Christian monasteries of the same era—an architectural crossover not often seen in Jewish houses of worship.
Beyond the stone and mortar lies legend. According to local lore, the attic once housed a clay guardian—the Golem—brought to life by Rabbi Judah Löw in the late 1500s. Created to protect the Jewish community from harm, the Golem was said to obey its creator faithfully—until, like a tale out of folklore, it began to spiral out of control. To prevent further danger, the Rabbi deactivated the creature and sealed it away in the attic, where it supposedly still rests. The area remains closed to visitors, ensuring their “safety”. Other stories claim that the synagogue's survival through centuries of conflict and disaster is thanks to a divine presence—angelic wings that turned into doves to shield the building from harm.
Although the Old-New Synagogue operates independently of the Jewish Museum, visitors can still explore it using the Prague Jewish Town ticket, which provides access to several nearby historic sites. Advance booking is recommended, and tickets are available online for those hoping to secure a guaranteed visit.
Unlike the richly adorned buildings that surround it, this synagogue embraces a striking simplicity. The high vaulted ceilings, Gothic arched windows, and unembellished ironwork create a solemn atmosphere that feels both ancient and enduring. One of the most distinctive features is the rare twin-nave layout, thought to be inspired by Christian monasteries of the same era—an architectural crossover not often seen in Jewish houses of worship.
Beyond the stone and mortar lies legend. According to local lore, the attic once housed a clay guardian—the Golem—brought to life by Rabbi Judah Löw in the late 1500s. Created to protect the Jewish community from harm, the Golem was said to obey its creator faithfully—until, like a tale out of folklore, it began to spiral out of control. To prevent further danger, the Rabbi deactivated the creature and sealed it away in the attic, where it supposedly still rests. The area remains closed to visitors, ensuring their “safety”. Other stories claim that the synagogue's survival through centuries of conflict and disaster is thanks to a divine presence—angelic wings that turned into doves to shield the building from harm.
Although the Old-New Synagogue operates independently of the Jewish Museum, visitors can still explore it using the Prague Jewish Town ticket, which provides access to several nearby historic sites. Advance booking is recommended, and tickets are available online for those hoping to secure a guaranteed visit.
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.
Old-New Synagogue on Map
Sight Name: Old-New 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.
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
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
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
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
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
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