Spanish Synagogue | You Love Prague

The Spanish Synagogue

The Spanish Synagogue was built in 1868 in Moorish style on the site of Prague's oldest Jewish house of worship, the Old School, following a design by Vojtěch Ignác Ullmann and Josef Niklas. The exhibition within the synagogue chronicles the last two hundred years of Jewish history in the Czech lands.

The youngest of the Prague synagogues in the Jewish Quarter is considered the most beautiful, with its beautiful colours and breathtaking architecture. The building is a striking presence in a district predominantly characterized by Art Nouveau architecture.

The architects drew inspiration primarily from Islamic architecture, featuring richly decorated and gilded elements. The doors and railings showcase intricate woodcarvings. Colourful stained glass windows and interior decorations, designed by architects A. Baum and B. Münzberger, were completed in 1893, taking cues from the Alhambra in the Spanish city of Granada.

The Spanish Synagoge from the outside

The statue of Franz Kafka next to the entrance

How did the Spanish Synagoge gets its name?

In the sixteenth century, Jews were expelled from Spain by Isabella of Castile. On March 31, 1492, Isabella, together with Ferdinand, signed the Edict of Expulsion, which forced Jews to convert to Christianity or leave Spain. While many converted to retain their possessions, approximately 160,000 to 400,000 marranos (translated as "swine") chose to depart, and their belongings were confiscated.

After leaving their homeland, a small number of marranos settled in Prague. They acquired a school, which they named the Spanish Synagogue. As the Jewish community grew and the school became inadequate, the current synagogue was built on that site.

Following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, a thorough restoration was undertaken, and by 1998, the building had been returned to its former splendor. It now forms part of the Jewish Museum in Prague. Next to the entrance of the synagogue you will fint a statue of Franz Kafka.

The exhibition focuses on the history of Czech and Moravian Jews from the eighteenth century until 1945. Among the museum's collection are notable silver artefacts from Bohemia and Moravia.

Personal Tip

"Even when you are not into museums or exhibitions,

the interior of this synagogue is a must see."

You Love Prague

0 votes

Read more about the Jewish Quarter: