Posted by The Old New Synagogue in Prague (rarely called the Old New School) is the oldest preserved synagogue in Europe and one of the oldest buildings in Prague. It is located in the former Jewish quarter Josefov in the Old Town of Prague and is visited daily by many tourists.
The synagogue was built in the 13th century. It is still the central synagogue of the Jews of Prague. Since its foundation it has always been the central main synagogue of Prague. Like almost all Jewish buildings, it is located in the Josefov district of Prague’s Old Town, about 100 metres from the Klausen Synagogue and the world-famous Prague Jewish Cemetery.
Important: Guided tours and Prague Card Jewish Quarter JosefovSince things are quite difficult to understand, we recommend a good guided tour of the Jewish Josefov. This should be booked in advance on the Internet (duration about 2.5 hours), because the capacities are limited. >>> Link with more info and booking With the great Prague Card the entrance to the Jewish sights is free. The Prague Card is a tourist ticket with free entrance to many sights in Prague and more. >>> On this link you can get the Prague Card and more info. |
The Old New Synagogue is the only synagogue that does not belong to the Jewish Museum in Prague. There is still a combined ticket for the cemetery and all 5 synagogues including the Old New Synagogue (more info tickets).
The Old New Synagogue is still used as a synagogue, unlike many other synagogues in Josefov. Therefore you won’t find any exhibitions or similar in it and it probably doesn’t belong to the Jewish Museum Prague.
Important: Guided tours and Prague Card Jewish Quarter Josefov
Since 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.
Next to the Old New Synagogue is the old Jewish Town Hall of Prague. Interesting are the clocks at the top of the building. While the upper clocks are normal clocks, the lower Jewish clock goes the other way (counterclockwise).
The clock below the small tower goes the other way round (in the picture Jewish Town Hall, on the left parts of the Old New Synagogue in yellow).
Short Video about the Old New Synagogue
Short film in English (about 2 min) with impressions from the building
Czech Staronová synagoga ; English: Old New Synagogue