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.