Is Jewish Quarter in Prague Free?

By Michael Ferguson

The Jewish Quarter in Prague, also known as Josefov, is a historic neighborhood that holds significant cultural and religious importance. This area is home to several famous landmarks and attractions, including synagogues, a cemetery, and a museum. Many visitors wonder if there is an admission fee to explore this fascinating part of the city.

Exploring the Jewish Quarter

If you are interested in immersing yourself in the rich history of the Jewish community in Prague, you will be pleased to know that access to the Jewish Quarter itself is free of charge. You can freely wander through the streets and admire the stunning architecture that dates back centuries.

However, it’s important to note that some specific sites within the Jewish Quarter do require an entrance fee. These include:

1. The Old-New Synagogue

This historic synagogue, built in the 13th century, is one of the oldest active synagogues in Europe. While entrance to the exterior courtyard is free, there is an admission fee if you wish to enter and explore its interior.

2. The Spanish Synagogue

The Spanish Synagogue showcases breathtaking Moorish Revival architecture and houses an exhibition on Jewish history in Bohemia and Moravia. To visit this synagogue and its exhibits, you will need to purchase a ticket.

3. The Pinkas Synagogue

This synagogue serves as a memorial to Czech Holocaust victims.

Inside, you’ll find moving exhibitions displaying children’s drawings from the Terezin Ghetto as well as a comprehensive list of names of Holocaust victims from Prague. Accessing these exhibits requires an entrance fee.

4. The Klausen Synagogue

The Klausen Synagogue houses an exhibition on the history of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia.

Here, you can learn about the customs, traditions, and daily life of the Jewish community. Entrance to this synagogue requires a ticket.

These are just a few examples, and there may be other sites within the Jewish Quarter that have separate entrance fees. It’s recommended to check beforehand if you plan to visit specific synagogues or exhibitions.

Visiting the Jewish Cemetery

The Jewish Cemetery is another highlight of the Jewish Quarter. This burial ground is one of the oldest and most significant in Europe. While entrance to the cemetery itself requires a ticket, it is often included as part of a combined ticket that grants access to multiple sites in the Jewish Quarter.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re interested in exploring the Jewish Quarter in Prague, it’s worth considering purchasing a combined ticket that provides access to multiple sites at a discounted rate. These tickets typically include entry to the main synagogues, museum exhibitions, and the cemetery.

To summarize, while access to the Jewish Quarter itself is free, some specific sites within it do require an entrance fee. To fully experience all that this historic neighborhood has to offer, consider purchasing a combined ticket for convenience and savings.

So go ahead and immerse yourself in Prague’s Jewish history by visiting this captivating neighborhood!