Today's Jewish Quarter is a sad echo of its glory days in the 16th century, when those living here made up nearly a third of the capital. The 20th century was not so kind to Prague's Jews. But it still preserves some of the finest landmarks of a Jewish community that, at its peak, was the largest in Europe. From 1554 until 1612, Prague's Jewish Quarter was a thriving centre of Jewish mysticism, learning and art. The oldest synagogue in Europe is here, among six ancient synagogues, as is the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Quarter's Town Hall, and Kafka's birthplace. And so too, the legend says, are the remains the mystical defender of Prague's Jews, the Golem.The Jews have been in Prague for over 1,000 years, but as elsewhere in Europe, they suffered persecution and pogroms. They were a barely tolerated minority – penned into the narrow streets near the Vltava River – until the rule of Maximilian as Holy Roman Emperor in 1554. He appointed an influential Prague Jew, Mordecai Maisel, as his Minister of Finance and eased the restrictions on them.At this time, one of the most revered scholars of Judaism – Rabbi Loew, or the Maharal – lived in Prague. His writings and teachings still influence Jewish thought today. He is also the rabbi credited with making the magical Golem, from the Vltava's clay, in order to protect the city's Jews. Legend has it that the remains of the Golem are still here, in the Old New Synagogue. You probably won't be allowed into the attic to check, but you should definitely come and see this building anyway. It is that strangest of things – a Gothic synagogue – built in 1270, and one of the most elegant, as well as oldest, buildings in Prague.The Jewish Golden Age didn't last long – and by the time the Quarter was redeveloped, in the early 20th century, expulsions and pogroms had shrunk the community. When Hitler absorbed Czechoslovakia into his Reich, he took a perverse interest in Prague's Jewish Quarter. Even while the Holocaust was in its full throes, he gathered Jewish art and history, plundered from Czechoslovakia and Europe, here. It was to be a macabre museum to 'an extinct race'. He failed, and now the Jewish Museum is a proud recorder of the achievements of the city's Jewish Quarter.
Josefov Travel Guide
Popular places to visit
Old Jewish Cemetery
This haunting cemetery, with its thousands of ancient tombstones, is a frozen register of the uncounted centuries of life and death in Prague's Jewish community.
Charles University
Enjoy the student vibe at Charles University as part of your travels around Prague. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this culturally rich area.
Spanish Synagogue
Tour a museum that recounts the lives of Jewish people in Czech lands and attend concerts at this magnificent Moorish landmark.
Prague Jewish Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Prague Jewish Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Prague. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.
Old-New Synagogue
You can find out about the history of Prague with a trip to Old-New Synagogue. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene in this culturally rich area.
Museum of Decorative Arts
You can browse the exhibits at Museum of Decorative Arts, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Prague. Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.
Activities
Prague: Classical Concert in the Spanish Synagogue
Prague Astronomical Clock Tower Ticket & Optional Audioguide
Photographer, Professional Photo shoot - Prague
Josefov and the Jewish Museum in Prague
Tour of the Jewish Town of Prague
Prague TODAY: the best way to know Prague in 3 hrs. with PICK UP!
Our pick of the best Josefov Hotel Deals
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Other neighbourhoods around Josefov
Prague 1
Known for its popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Prague 1. Check out top attractions like Old Town Square and Royal Route, and jump on the metro at Staromestska Station or Staroměstská Stop to see more of the city.
Stare Mesto
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Old Town Square to Havelska Market – discover Stare Mesto, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Prague City Center
Old Town Square and Charles Bridge Museum are top sights in Prague City Center, and you should be sure to explore the acclaimed art galleries. Hop aboard the metro at Karlovy Lázně Stop or Staroměstská Stop to see more sights in the area.
Mala Strana
Consider a visit to Lesser Town Bridge Tower and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Mala Strana. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Malostranské Náměstí Stop or Hellichova Stop.
Prague 7
Consider a visit to Letna Park and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Prague 7. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Letenské Náměstí Stop or Korunovační Stop.
Nove Mesto
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charles Square to New Town Hall – discover Nove Mesto, a destination also famous for its shopping.
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