Josefov
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Josefov quarter AKA Jewish Quarter is the most idyllic part of the historic parts of Prague. It is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. It used to be a Jewish ghetto since the 13th century, when Jews were ordered to settle in this particular area. The Jewry of Prague allegedly has settled in the city since the 10th century. During the centuries, more and more Jews moved to ghetto and it overpopulated. Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II emancipated the Jews living under the Habsburg regime in 1781 and two years before Jews were allowed to settle outside of the ghetto, only most Orthodox and poor Jews inhabited area ever since.
The area was mostly demolished in 1897 and most of the buildings were built at the beginning of the 20th century.
During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia 1939-45, residents of the ghetto were transported to the Terezin concentration camp and most of them died.
Nowadays this former ghetto has still vivid Jewish cultural life, and it is important historical site and the tourist attraction. It has 6 synagogues, the Old-New Synagogue still being active, and the Jewish Ceremonial Hall.
Something to explore
Spanish Synagogue
Some say that Moorish-style synagogue is the most beautiful in Europe.
It was built in 1868 on the site of the oldest Prague synagogue. Its interior were completed in 1893.
The magnifiscent interior decoration has a low stucco arabesque of stylized Islamic motifs which are also applied to the walls, doors and gallery balustrades.
Under Nazi and Communist regime the synagogue was almost abandoned, fell into a sorry state, and was eventually closed. in the latter part of the 20th century the Jewish Museum in Prague took control, and its restoration began. It is open to public and classical concerts are being held here.
Old Jewish Cemetery
This burial place gives a hint, how overpopulated the ghetto were. Graves and tombs are situated side-by-side with narrow space and in many layers. It was in use from the early 15th century until 1787 and the oldest preserved tombstone here dates back to 1439. There are allegedly about 12,000 tombstones presently visible in 12 layers, and there may be as many as 100,000 burials in all. The cemetery is one of the most remarkable in Europe.
Old New Synagogue
This Europe’s oldest active synagogue was built in Gothic style in 1270.
Its interior consists e.g. double-nave with six bays. It is open to public outside of the sermons and it is the center of Josefov and religíous life of local Jews.
Tours
Josefov district is part of the few sightseeing tours of Prague. Walking tour Best of Prague and Grand City Sightseeing Tour are excellent ways to get acquainted with Jewish Quarter along with Prague per se. More information about sighseeing tours of Prague here.
How to get in
Metro line A goes near Josefov, stop is Staromestska.
Trams 17 and 18, Staromestska.
Prague has an international airport. Airlines and destinations are visible here.
Trains in the Czech Republic are operated by Czech Railways, RegioJet, and Leo Express. E.g. from Berlin EC trains to Prague goes every 2 hours. More information about European train timetables here.
Bus operators Eurolines, Ecolines, Student Agency and Orange Ways connect Prague to major European cities.
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: Wikimedia Commons with CC-BY licence / Emmanuel Dyan, Manuamador, Jorge Láscar, Yair-haklai[/fusion_text]
