The Jerusalem Synagogue is located in the New Town of Prague on Jerusalem Street, after which it is named. It is the youngest and also the largest synagogue in Prague.
Its colorful facade, reminiscent of Moorish monuments in Spain, is as striking as the interior decoration in Viennese Art Nouveau style.
The Jerusalem Synagogue is not part of the Jewish Cemetery in Prague, but is open to the public.
What Can I Do at the Jerusalem Synagogue?
1. Visit the Jerusalem Synagogue
Although the synagogue is actively used for worship, it can also be visited from the inside, including on a guided tour. Besides the striking exterior and its impressive size, the interior, which is in Viennese Art Nouveau style, is absolutely worth seeing.
2. Permanent Exhibitions
There are 2 permanent exhibitions in the synagogue, one about the history of the Jewish community in Prague from 1945 to the present day and a second about Jewish monuments in the Czech Republic and their restoration, since 1989.
3. Concerts at the Synagogue
Concerts are regularly held in the synagogue, especially organ concerts using the amazingly well preserved organ.
4. Mucha Art Museum
About a 10-minute walk from the Jerusalem Synagogue is the baroque building of Kaunitz Palace, which houses the Mucha Art Museum. Alfons Mucha (1860-1939) was a Czech Art Nouveau artist who is best known for his posters of beautiful women.
5. Heinrich Tower
Heinrich Tower is located about a 5-minute walk from the Jerusalem Synagogue. The tower, which is almost 68 meters high, dates back to the 15th century and is built in the Gothic style. Inside there is a carillon with ten bells, which can be heard only inside the tower. The restaurant directly in the bell tower impresses with its view of Prague.
Admission, Tickets, and Guided Tours
• Tickets: Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance of the Jerusalem Synagogue.
• Guided Tours: The synagogue is still actively used for worship, but can be visited from the outside and inside, including on a guided tour.
• Admission: No security check or pre-registration is required to enter the synagogue as in other European cities.
How to Get to the Jerusalem Synagogue
The Jerusalem Synagogue is located in the New Town of Prague. The Jindřišská street car stop is in the immediate vicinity, and it is 500 meters from the Prague Main Railway Station.
From the Jewish Quarter Jerusalem Synagogue is within 20 minutes walking distance.
History of the Jerusalem Synagogue
When Prague's Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, was redeveloped in 1898, 3 synagogues fell victim to this redevelopment, the Gypsy Synagogue, the Great Court Synagogue, and the New Synagogue.
A new synagogue was built to replace them. The plans for this were provided by the Viennese architect and imperial building supervisor, Wilhelm Stiassny, who is also the founder of the Jewish Museum in Vienna. In 1906 the synagogue was inaugurated. The synagogue has 850 seats and the side galleries are for women and have independent entrances.
It is named after the street on which it stands, Jerusalem Street.
Originally, however, the Jerusalem Synagogue was called Jubilee Synagogue. Emperor Franz Josef I celebrated the 50th anniversary of his accession to the throne during the time of its planning and construction at the end of the 19th century.
Services are still held regularly in the synagogue, only in the period 1941 - 1945 it was used as a storage place for confiscated Jewish property.
Contact
• Address: Jeruzalémská 1310/7, 110 00 Prague 1
• Public Transport: Jindřišská street car stop in the new town
• Opening Hours: For the exact opening hours please refer to this website