Posted by The Pinkas Synagogue is one of the many old Jewish sights in the former Jewish district of Josefov in the Old Town of Prague. The rather small building is located next to the well known Old Jewish Cemetery. Almost all tourists who visit the synagogue buy a combined ticket for all important sights in Josefov (more info). The Pinkas Synagogue is known for a list of almost 80,000 names on the interior walls. They are names of Jews who were deported to Czechoslovakia during the Nazi period and who were largely murdered by the Nazis.
>>> Cheap combined tickets online for Jewish Quarter Prague (4 synagogues and cemetery): Click here
At the entrance of the Pinkas Synagogue, most visitors to Jewish Prague buy the combined ticket for Jewish Prague (for 5 synagogues, the old cemetery and some more attractions). The ticket costs about 20 euros for adults (500 Czech crowns in January 2020). The entrance to the Pinkas Synagogue is also the entrance to the famous Old Jewish Cemetery.
In the Pinkas Synagogue almost all walls are described with a list of names, a total of about 78,000 names. They are names of Jews from Czechoslovakia who died during the Nazi period. Most of them were murdered in concentration camps.
The surname is written in red like the first letter of the first name. In addition, the date of birth and the days of deportation or murder are indicated in black. The list of Jews in the Pinkas Synagogue is sorted by surname and place. In addition, the names of the victims of the Holocaust are read out over a loudspeaker. Most of the walls of the Pinkas Synagogue were used to write the many names in small letters. Visitors can feel what a gigantic crime the genocide of the Jews was in the Nazi era.
Important: Guided tours and Prague Card Jewish Quarter JosefovSince things are quite difficult to understand, we recommend a good guide through the Jewish Josefov. You should book this in advance on the Internet (duration about 2.5 hours), as the capacities are limited. >>> Link with more information and booking With the great Prague Card the entrance to the Jewish sights is free of charge. The Prague Card is a tourist ticket with free entry to many sights in Prague and much more. >>> On this link you can find the Prague Card and more information. |
The single-nave Pinkas Synagogue dates from the 16th century. The building was paid for and built by the rich Jewish family Hotowitz. Often in the 500-year history of the synagogue, the building had to be renovated. The names of the victims of National Socialism were handwritten on the walls between 1954 and 1959. The inscription was heavily damaged by moisture in the 60s and 70s, and during socialism the Pinkas Synagogue was closed to the public for a long time. After the fall of communism, the synagogue was renovated, and since 1995 the lists of Holocaust victims have been open to the public again.
We were very impressed by the visit to the Pinkas Synagogue with its long list of names. After the synagogue, visitors come directly to the Jewish cemetery. In the back garden of the synagogue you can have a look at a small exhibition with information about the Holocaust in the Czech Republic.
Czech: Pinkasova synagoga ;
>>> Cheap combined tickets online for Jewish Quarter Prague (4 synagogues and cemetery): Click here
Pinkas Synagogue Highlights
Holocaust memorial
Walls with the names of the victims: The interior walls of the synagogue bear the names of around 80,000 Jews from Bohemia and Moravia who were murdered during the Holocaust. The names are arranged by family and include dates of birth and death.
Poignant atmosphere: the room radiates a quiet reverence that makes the inconceivable suffering of the victims palpable.
Exhibition of children’s drawings from Theresienstadt
Children’s artwork: A moving collection of drawings and paintings made by children in the Theresienstadt concentration camp is on display on the upper floor of the synagogue.
Testimonies of hope: These works, created despite the difficult circumstances, show the children’s dreams, fears and hopes.
Architecture of the synagogue
Late Gothic building: The synagogue was built in 1535 and is characterized by its simple, late Gothic architecture.
Sephardic influence: Inside, elements reminiscent of Jewish prayer houses in the Mediterranean region can be seen.
Spiritual significance
Second oldest surviving synagogue in Prague: After the Old-New Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue is an important part of Prague’s Jewish heritage.
Place of remembrance: Today it is no longer a house of prayer, but a quiet place of remembrance and reflection.