In the heart of Prague’s Jewish Quarter, Josefov, stands one of the city’s most remarkable historic buildings – the Old-New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga). Built in the 13th century, it is considered the oldest synagogue in Europe still used for regular Jewish worship. For more than 750 years, it has witnessed the changing fortunes of Prague’s Jewish community, surviving fires, floods, wars, and centuries of persecution.
The Old-New Synagogue is also one of the highlights of our Old Town & Jewish Quarter Free Walking Tour, where we explore the fascinating history of Jewish Prague and the legends that surround this extraordinary place.
Why Is It Called the Old-New Synagogue?
The synagogue’s unusual name has a surprisingly simple explanation. When it was built around 1270, it was known as the New Synagogue, distinguishing it from an older Jewish house of worship nearby.
As Prague’s Jewish community grew and additional synagogues appeared, the once-new building became the oldest surviving synagogue in the neighborhood. To distinguish it from the newer ones, people began calling it the Old-New Synagogue.
But local legends offer a more mysterious explanation.
According to one tradition, the synagogue’s foundation stones were brought to Prague by angels from the destroyed Temple of Jerusalem. They were supposedly lent to the Jewish community on the condition that they would be returned when the Temple was rebuilt.
This legend is sometimes connected to the Hebrew expression al tenai, meaning "on condition," which sounds similar to the synagogue’s traditional Hebrew name, Altneuschul.
The Legend of the Golem of Prague
Perhaps the most famous story associated with the Old-New Synagogue is the legend of the Golem of Prague.
According to the legend, Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, better known as the Maharal of Prague, created a giant figure from clay in the 16th century. By using mystical knowledge and sacred Hebrew words, he brought the creature to life.
The Golem was supposed to protect Prague’s Jewish community from danger and persecution. However, when the creature became uncontrollable, Rabbi Loew was forced to deactivate it.
And what happened to the Golem afterward?
Legend says that its lifeless body was hidden in the attic of the Old-New Synagogue, where it supposedly remains to this day.
Of course, there is no historical evidence that the Golem ever existed. The famous version of the story developed long after Rabbi Loew’s lifetime. Nevertheless, the legend has become one of Prague’s most recognizable stories and an inseparable part of the city’s Jewish heritage.
A Rare Example of Medieval Gothic Architecture
The Old-New Synagogue stands out for its simple yet impressive medieval architecture. Its thick stone walls, steep roof, pointed Gothic windows, and beautifully preserved architectural details have remained a distinctive feature of Prague’s Jewish Quarter for more than 750 years.
Inside, the main prayer hall is divided by two central pillars supporting an unusual five-ribbed vaulted ceiling. The medieval layout has been preserved through centuries of renovations.
The synagogue remains an active place of worship, making it more than a historical monument. It is a living connection between Prague’s medieval Jewish community and the present day.
A Witness to Centuries of Jewish History
The Old-New Synagogue has stood through some of the darkest chapters of Prague’s history.
In 1389, the Jewish Quarter experienced a devastating Easter pogrom in which large numbers of Jewish residents were murdered. The synagogue was closely associated with this tragedy, and Jewish tradition preserves the memory of those who lost their lives.
During the Second World War, Prague’s Jewish community suffered catastrophic losses under Nazi occupation. Although the synagogue survived, many of the people who once prayed inside it did not.
Today, the building stands as a symbol of the extraordinary endurance of Jewish life in Prague.
Visit the Old-New Synagogue on Our Free Walking Tour
The Old-New Synagogue is one of the important stops on our Old Town & Jewish Quarter Free Walking Tour.
During the tour, our local guides introduce you to the history of Prague’s Jewish community, explain the significance of the synagogue, and share the fascinating stories and legends connected with this historic neighborhood.
We admire the synagogue from the outside while exploring Josefov. Entering the building requires a separate admission ticket and is not included in the free walking tour.
Whether you are interested in medieval architecture, Jewish history, or the mysterious legend of the Golem, the Old-New Synagogue is a place that reveals a different side of Prague – one that many visitors might otherwise overlook.
Join our Old Town & Jewish Quarter Free Walking Tour and discover the stories behind one of Prague’s oldest and most fascinating buildings.
Article by Michal, licensed Prague tour guide and founder of Free Walking Tour Prague, sharing Prague's history, fascinating stories and hidden treasures with visitors since 2016.