
Spanish Synagogue, Prague (must see)
Prague is known the world over for its architecture, and even in a city filled with Gothic spires, Baroque palaces, and Art Nouveau gems, the Spanish Synagogue manages to stand out. Situated in the Jewish Quarter, this stunning Moorish Revival landmark was completed in 1868 on the site of the city's oldest synagogue. If you're starting your exploration of the area, there’s hardly a more fitting place to begin.
From the outside, the building’s design immediately draws the eye. Its façade, divided into three sections, features a taller central portion flanked by twin domed turrets. If you’ve been to Vienna, you might notice the architectural echo of the Leopoldstadt Temple, a key inspiration. But while the exterior is impressive, the real magic begins inside.
Every inch, except the floor, is covered in elicate arabesques that twist and curl across walls and ceilings—either carved, painted, or molded with astonishing precision. The effect is mesmerizing, like being inside a jewel box. Look up and you’ll spot a richly decorated dome at the center, illuminated by a striking Magen David chandelier. The ark and bimah command attention with their elegance, and tucked at the back is a beautifully restored organ—something rarely found in synagogues.
Over the course of the 20th century, the synagogue suffered neglect under both Nazi and Communist regimes. But in the late 1990s, it was restored and reopened to the public under the care of the Jewish Museum. Today, it serves as a concert venue, while the Robert Guttmann Gallery next door hosts rotating art exhibitions of Jewish art and culture.
Interestingly, the Spanish Synagogue has never served a Sephardic or Spanish-speaking community. The origin of the name remains unclear—but one thing is certain: its beauty speaks a universal language.
From the outside, the building’s design immediately draws the eye. Its façade, divided into three sections, features a taller central portion flanked by twin domed turrets. If you’ve been to Vienna, you might notice the architectural echo of the Leopoldstadt Temple, a key inspiration. But while the exterior is impressive, the real magic begins inside.
Every inch, except the floor, is covered in elicate arabesques that twist and curl across walls and ceilings—either carved, painted, or molded with astonishing precision. The effect is mesmerizing, like being inside a jewel box. Look up and you’ll spot a richly decorated dome at the center, illuminated by a striking Magen David chandelier. The ark and bimah command attention with their elegance, and tucked at the back is a beautifully restored organ—something rarely found in synagogues.
Over the course of the 20th century, the synagogue suffered neglect under both Nazi and Communist regimes. But in the late 1990s, it was restored and reopened to the public under the care of the Jewish Museum. Today, it serves as a concert venue, while the Robert Guttmann Gallery next door hosts rotating art exhibitions of Jewish art and culture.
Interestingly, the Spanish Synagogue has never served a Sephardic or Spanish-speaking community. The origin of the name remains unclear—but one thing is certain: its beauty speaks a universal language.
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.
Spanish Synagogue on Map
Sight Name: Spanish 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
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
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
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
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
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
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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