Old-New Synagogue
The Old-New Synagogue, built in 1270, is the oldest in the Josefov Quarter of Prague and one of the oldest active synagogues in Europe. This Gothic synagogue is also one of the best-preserved synagogues in Central Europe. For centuries it was called the "new synagogue" of the Jewish Quarter, until the construction of several new synagogues in the 16th century.
About this building
Legend has it that the foundation stones of the temple were brought to Prague by angels from the ruins of the Temple of Jerusalem. Another legend says that the synagogue was saved from being consumed by the fire that destroyed a great part of the ghetto in 1754 thanks to the angels who came in the form of doves to protect the building with their wings.
It was originally called the New or Great Shul Synagogue. After the construction of new synagogues in the 16th century, the Golden Age of the Jewish Quarter, it became known as the "Old-New Synagogue".
The construction of the synagogue was done by the same stonemasons who were building the nearby Convent of St. Agnes. The interior has a double-nave with six vaulted bays and narrow Gothic windows on the sides that keep the interior in semi-darkness.
The synagogue is now managed by the Jewish Community of Prague who offers guided visits to the temple.
