Top 10 Features in the Old-New Synagogue
-
1. Rabbi Loew’s Chair
Topped with a Star of David, the tall chair found by the eastern wall has been reserved for Prague’s chief rabbis throughout the synagogue’s history.
-
2. Jewish Standard
Prague’s Jewish community was permitted a banner in the 15th century as a symbol of its autonomy. The copy hanging above the Bimah replicates a 1716 original, featuring a Jewish hat within a six-pointed star and the legend “Shema Yisroel ”.
-
3. Nave
Twelve narrow windows, evoking the 12 tribes of Israel, line the perimeter walls, which are unadorned, save for the abbreviation of Biblical verses. Two central pillars are modelled on the façade columns of the Temple of Jerusalem.
-
4. Ark
Behind the curtain on the eastern wall are the Torah scrolls, which are kept in the holy ark. The tympanum features foliage and grape motifs, also found in nearby St Agnes’s Convent, and date from the synagogue’s construction in the late 13th century.
-
5. Entrance
The Biblical inscription “Revere God and observe His commandments! For this applies to all mankind” admonished worshippers entering and leaving the synagogue.
-
6. Vaulting
To avoid the sign of the cross, a fifth rib was added to the nave’s vaulting, decorated with vine leaves and ivy.
-
7. Women’s Windows
Women were not permitted in the nave of the synagogue, but sat in the vestibule. Narrow openings in the wall allowed them to follow the services.
-
8. Bimah
A pulpit stands on this dais in the centre. From here the rabbi reads the Torah and performs wedding ceremonies.
-
9. Attic
Legend has it that Rabbi Loew stashed the remains of (see The Golem) under the synagogue’s large saddle roof.
-
10. Josefov Town Hall
Adjacent to the synagogue is the Jewish Town Hall. The façade clock’s hands run counter-clockwise – or clockwise, if you read Hebrew (see Jewish Town Hall).
Advertisement
-
-
lg6789's Las Vegas guide
lg6789
-
Dosdoce's Dublin guide
Dosdoc
-
Paris guide
sherlo
-
-
Lucy Tagg's Sicily guide
Lucy T
-
Juliewaldman's Boston guide
Juliew
-
Paris
pengui
-
DesignblokWith more than 200 companies heading to Prague every year to exhibit at Designblok, this Czech design expo now matches the likes of Milano Salone di Mobile, 100% Design in London, Designparcours... Read more
-
Palace GardensFollowing the demolition of its ramparts and fortifications, the southern slope beneath Prague Castle became an area of gardens, firstly vineyards and Italian-style Renaissance gardens. After... Read more
-
Khamoro - World Roma FestivalFirst held in 1999, Prague's Khamoro festival brings the most vibrant gypsy sounds, rhythms and culture from around Europe to the Czech capital. Read more
-
Prague Spring International Music FestivalThe Prague Spring International Music Festival is one of the great post-war festivals, every year honouring Bedrich Smetana (father of Czech music), with its traditioanl opening performance of his... Read more











symbol, to start adding attractions to your
tailor-made travel guide.
If you were signed in, you could write a review here. Register for a free account, or if you're already a member, sign in.