Old New Synagogue

The Old New Synagogue in Prague's Josefov district is Europe's oldest active synagogue, completed in 1270. It is a rare surviving medieval twin-nave synagogue and one of the earliest Gothic buildings in Prague. Inside, you see a double-nave with six vaulted bays, two large pillars, and a bimah between them.

Don't miss

• The double-nave with six vaulted bays, each with five ribs instead of the typical four or six.
• The tympanum above the entryway, carved with twelve vines and twelve bunches of grapes representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
• The large red flag near the west pillar, a modern reproduction of a banner awarded by Emperor Ferdinand III for the Jewish community's defense of Prague during the Thirty Years' War.
• The twelve narrow Gothic windows, also representing the twelve tribes, which originally made the interior dark but now are supplemented by electric chandeliers.
• The Aron Kodesh (Torah ark) on the eastern wall, with five steps leading up to it and two round stained glass windows above.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Old New Synagogue

Cheapest way inPrague Ghost and Legend of Old Town Walking Tour4.7★ · 2,918 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$21 per personSee dates →Most bookedPrague Old Town, Medieval Underground and Dungeon Historical Tour4.7★ · 4,830 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$31 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Prague Old Town, New Town And Jewish Quarter Walking Tour5★ · 77 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$53 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The synagogue follows Orthodox custom, with separate seating for men and women during prayer services. Women sit in an outer room with small windows looking into the main sanctuary.
• Nine steps lead from the street into a vestibule before entering the main sanctuary.
• The attic, where legend says the body of a Golem lies, is not open to the public. The lowest three meters of the stairs to the attic have been removed.

A bit of history

Completed in 1270, it is the oldest surviving medieval synagogue of twin-nave design. It was originally called the New or Great Synagogue; after newer synagogues were built in the 16th century, it became known as the Old-New Synagogue. A legend says angels brought stones from the Temple in Jerusalem to build it, on condition they be returned when the Messiah comes.