Maisel Synagogue, Prague
Similar to the Jewish Town Hall, as well as the Klausen and High synagogues, the Maisel Synagogue was established and funded entirely by philanthropist Mordecai Maisel. Positioned slightly set back from the adjacent buildings along Maiselova Street, the synagogue once boasted unparalleled ornateness within Josefov and held the distinction of being Prague's first synagogue open to women. Originally designed in the Renaissance style, it suffered significant damage during the Great Fire of 1689, leading to its reconstruction with a Baroque fa莽ade, later replaced by the current neo-Gothic fa莽ade in the late 19th century.
Today, its unadorned, whitewashed interior hosts an exhibition chronicling the history of the Czech-Jewish community up to the 1781 Edict of Tolerance. Showcased within glass cabinets are precious gold and silverwork, Hanukkah candlesticks, Torah scrolls, and other religious artifacts. Visitors can also view examples of outdated ruffs worn by unmarried males from the age of twelve and a replica of Ferdinand I's decree mandating the circular yellow badge. In contrast, the most opulent items on display date back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a period of prosperity for Prague's Jewish community. It is worth noting the irony that many of the valuable artifacts showcased here were brought to Prague by the Nazis themselves, sourced from various other synagogues across Bohemia and Moravia.
Today, its unadorned, whitewashed interior hosts an exhibition chronicling the history of the Czech-Jewish community up to the 1781 Edict of Tolerance. Showcased within glass cabinets are precious gold and silverwork, Hanukkah candlesticks, Torah scrolls, and other religious artifacts. Visitors can also view examples of outdated ruffs worn by unmarried males from the age of twelve and a replica of Ferdinand I's decree mandating the circular yellow badge. In contrast, the most opulent items on display date back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a period of prosperity for Prague's Jewish community. It is worth noting the irony that many of the valuable artifacts showcased here were brought to Prague by the Nazis themselves, sourced from various other synagogues across Bohemia and Moravia.
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Maisel Synagogue on Map
Sight Name: Maisel 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
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
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed the 鈥淐ity of a Hundred Spires,鈥� 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 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, 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 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, 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
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... 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
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible鈥攁n atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 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鈥攎ost 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
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