Jerusalem Synagogue

The Jerusalem Synagogue is the only still active Prague synagogue, which is not located in the area of the former Jewish ghetto, but is in New Town, close to the Central Train Station. It stands out among Prague synagogues by its size and the coloured facade, which strikingly resembles Muslim monuments in Spain. Its Moorish and Art Nouveau style was designed by the prominent architect of Jewish monuments and the founder of the Jewish museum in Vienna, Wilhelm Stiassny.

The synagogue got its current name from Jerusalem street, on which is located. Originally, it was called the Jubilee Synagogue, in honour of Franz Joseph I, who, during the plans to build the synagogue at the end of the 19th century, was celebrating 50 years on the throne. It was opened in 1906 and services were only interrupted during the protectorate.

The synagogue is not a part of the Jewish Museum in Prague, but despite that, it is open to the public. Apart from the architectural experience, the museum also offers visitors two permanent exhibitions: “The Jewish community in Prague from 1945 to date” and “Jewish monuments and their reconstruction after 1989”, which use period photographs and documents to capture the history of the Jewish community in Prague. Visitors can view them daily from April to October, except Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

 Where
New Town

You did not manage to visit the Jerusalem Synagogue? You can still see it while you wait for your train – it's only a short distance from the Central train Station.

Patrick, Avantgarde Prague
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