Old New Synagogue 🇨🇿

Located in Prague's Josefov district, the Old New Synagogue (also known as Staronová synagoga or Altneuschul) offers you a unique journey into history as Europe’s oldest active synagogue. Completed in 1270, this remarkable Gothic site features an early twin-nave design with six vaulted bays, supported by two large interior pillars. As you step down nine stairs from the street into the vestibule and sanctuary, you will notice five-rib vaulting designed to avoid Christian cross associations, alongside twelve narrow Gothic lancet windows representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Inside, you will see the central bimah where Torah scrolls are read, decorated with a twelve-vine motif matching the entryway tympanum, and the eastern Aron Kodesh holding the Torah scrolls. Observe the orthodox layout, featuring an outer room where women sit during prayer services, looking through small windows into the main sanctuary. Near the west pillar hangs a notable modern reproduction of a large red flag, originally awarded by Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III for defending Prague during the Thirty Years War.

Steeped in legend, the building is famed as the attic resting place of Rabbi Judah Loew's mythical Golem.

What to see at Old New Synagogue

• Europe's oldest active synagogue, completed in 1270
• Early Gothic twin-nave architecture with five-rib vaulting
• Red banner reproduction awarded by Ferdinand III
• Legendary attic genizah connected to the Golem of Prague

Visiting tips

Note that the attic is not open to the general public, as the bottom three meters of the stairs leading up to it have been removed.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Old New Synagogue is easy to reach on Prague’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Prague travel guide.