Weathered, tilted tombstones among ivy, ferns and dandelions in the Old Jewish Cemetery in spring

Heritage · Josefov, Prague 1

Josefov – Jewish Quarter

Historic synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, cared for by the Jewish Museum in Prague

Photo: Marie Bellando Mitjans (@gabianspirit) / Unsplash

Discover Josefov – Jewish Quarter

Tucked between Old Town Square and the Vltava, Josefov packs an extraordinary density of history into a few streets. Six historic synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the former Jewish Town Hall survived the late 19th-century redevelopment of the quarter, and most are now cared for by the Jewish Museum in Prague, founded in 1906.

A single museum ticket opens the Maisel, Pinkas, Klausen and Spanish synagogues, the Ceremonial Hall and the cemetery, while the Old-New Synagogue, administered by the Prague Jewish Community, is still a place of worship. The experience ranges from the gilded Moorish interior of the Spanish Synagogue to the deeply moving walls of the Pinkas Synagogue, inscribed with the names of nearly 80,000 Holocaust victims from Bohemia and Moravia.

Don’t miss

01Old Jewish Cemetery, used from the 15th century until 1787
02Pinkas Synagogue, with the handwritten names of nearly 80,000 Holocaust victims
03Spanish Synagogue and its richly decorated Moorish-style interior
04Old-New Synagogue, completed around 1270 and still in use
05Maisel and Klausen synagogues with exhibitions on Jewish history and traditions
06The Ceremonial Hall of the former Burial Society

History & culture

The story of Josefov – Jewish Quarter

Jews are thought to have lived in Prague by the 10th century and were later confined to a walled ghetto beside the Old Town, which received a degree of self-government in 1262. The Old-New Synagogue was completed around 1270. In the 16th century the community flourished under figures such as Mordecai Maisel, who built the synagogue that bears his name in the 1590s. The Old Jewish Cemetery was used from the 15th century until 1787, its tombstones crowded together in many layers.

In 1850 the quarter was renamed Josefov after Emperor Joseph II, whose 1782 Edict of Tolerance eased restrictions on Jewish life. Between 1893 and 1913 most of the old quarter was demolished in a sweeping slum clearance, but its key monuments were spared. The Jewish Museum, founded in 1906, now preserves them along with collections that document the history and the tragedy of Czech and Moravian Jews.

Local life & traditions

Josefov is not only a museum district: Prague's Jewish Community still worships at the Old-New Synagogue, and the quarter observes the Sabbath and Jewish holidays, when the museum sites close. Visitors are guests in places of prayer and remembrance, and quiet, respectful behaviour is expected throughout.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

Allow at least half a day. A good route begins at the Pinkas Synagogue and continues through the Old Jewish Cemetery along the designated path to the Ceremonial Hall and the Klausen Synagogue, then on to the Maisel and Spanish synagogues. Visit the Old-New Synagogue separately, as it is run by the Jewish Community and keeps its own hours.

Guided walks help bring the stories behind the buildings to life, from the community's golden age in the 16th century to its fate in the 20th century.

When to go

The museum is open all year except Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Weekday mornings are calmest; in summer the cemetery can be very busy from late morning. Spring and autumn are pleasant for walking between the sites, and winter brings fewer visitors.

Plan your visit

Verified information

Closing days: The Jewish Museum's sites are closed on Saturdays and on Jewish holidays Source: jewishmuseum.cz ↗
Old-New Synagogue: Administered by the Prague Jewish Community, with its own hours; usually closes an hour before Shabbat Source: jewishmuseum.cz ↗
Head covering: Men must cover their heads (own covering or one borrowed on site) when entering the Old Jewish Cemetery Source: c.jewishmuseum.cz ↗
Dress code: No inappropriate dress: exposed shoulders, arms or midriff, swimwear, bare feet and toplessness are not allowed Source: c.jewishmuseum.cz ↗
Food and photography: No food or drink in visitor areas; personal photography allowed with a valid ticket, without flash, tripod or selfie stick Source: c.jewishmuseum.cz ↗
Ticket: A single Jewish Museum ticket covers the synagogues it manages, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Ceremonial Hall Source: jewishmuseum.cz ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Check the museum calendar before you go, since all sites close on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Carry a light layer or scarf to cover shoulders; men can bring their own head covering.
Keep to the marked path in the cemetery and speak quietly, especially in the Pinkas Synagogue.
Eat before or after your visit, as food and drinks cannot be taken into the sites.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Josefov – Jewish Quarter: food, markets & places to stay

Old Town Square lies a few minutes' walk south, and Pařížská Street, built when the old quarter was redeveloped, cuts through Josefov towards the river. The Vltava embankment and Charles Bridge are within easy walking distance.