Jewish quarter (Prague, Czech Republic)

Jewish quarter (Prague, Czech Republic)

Surrounded by Old Town of Prague, the Jewish quarter of Prague is a small cadastral area, which of is mostly converted into Jewish Museum. Jews are believed to have settled in Prague as early as the 10th century. This area of the city is one of Europe’s oldest and best preserved Jewish neighborhoods.  Ironically, during World War II, Hitler decided that this would be the site of his “museum” to the very race he was seeking to exterminate.  Consequently, Jewish artifacts from destroyed synagogues and communities throughout Europe were sent here to be catalogued and kept.  While most Jewish neighborhoods were destroyed during Nazi occupations, this one was saved, though most of it’s inhabitants were not. Today, walking through Prague’s Jewish quarter is a poignant reminder that this place has been home to the Jewish community for over 1000 years.  Prague’s Jewish museum is made up of several beautiful synagogues scattered throughout the area.

 

The Jewish Quarter has six synagogues, including the Spanish Synagogue and Old-New Synagogue, the Jewish Ceremonial Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery, the most remarkable of its kind in Europe. A Single ticket to Jewish Museum would allow access to all the synagogues and exhibits on Jewish culture and customs. The Jewish Quarter is also the birthplace of the celebrated writer Franz Kafka.