Prague Jewish Quarter: A Journey Through History

The Prague Jewish Quarter, or Josefov, is a captivating area steeped in centuries of Jewish history and culture. Located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River, it's a compact district easily explored on foot. Originally settled in the 9th century, Prague's Jewish population was confined to this area by the 13th century, forming a ghetto that would endure for centuries. Despite facing pogroms, expulsions, and discriminatory laws, the Jewish community thrived, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable landmarks. These include six synagogues: the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in Europe; the Spanish Synagogue, known for its Moorish Revival architecture; the Pinkas Synagogue, a memorial to Czech Holocaust victims; the Maisel Synagogue, showcasing the history of the Jewish ghetto; the Klausen Synagogue, exhibiting Jewish traditions and customs; and the High Synagogue. The Old Jewish Cemetery is another poignant site, with layers of tombstones marking the final resting place of prominent rabbis, scholars, and community members. The Jewish Museum in Prague, established in 1906, oversees many of the quarter's historical monuments and holds an extensive collection of Judaica. The Jewish Quarter even survived the Nazi occupation, as Hitler intended to preserve it as a "Museum of an Extinct Race". Today, the Prague Jewish Quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors from around the world who come to explore its unique architecture, learn about its rich history, and pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Prague's Jewish community.