The Pinkas Synagogue, located in Prague’s Jewish Quarter (Josefov), is a poignant and historically significant site. Originally built in the 16th century, it was later repurposed as a memorial to the Czech Jews who perished during the Holocaust. The synagogue is renowned for its walls lined with names, inscribed with over 77,000 Jewish victims from the Czech lands. Today, it serves as both a place of remembrance and a museum, housing exhibits on the impact of the Holocaust on Prague’s Jewish community. The synagogue’s quiet and somber atmosphere invites reflection and remembrance.
Prague - Czech Republic
Guided Tours
Walking Tours
Prague - Czech Republic
Entry Tickets
Guided Tours
Prague - Czech Republic
Walking Tours
Prague - Czech Republic
Guided Tours
Walking Tours
The Pinkas Synagogue is one of the most important monuments in Prague's Jewish Museum. In addition to the name memorials, the synagogue is home to an art exhibition showcasing works by Jewish children from the Theresienstadt ghetto, who were deported to Auschwitz. The synagogue's design features traditional Moorish Revival architecture, with intricate painted ceilings and decorative elements. It is a small but powerful site, combining history, art, and memory. Visitors can experience the emotional depth of the Holocaust through the Jewish community's art and stories.
Visitors should be prepared for the solemn and reflective atmosphere of the Pinkas Synagogue. While it’s a historical monument, it’s also a place of mourning, so respectful behavior is essential. Photography inside the synagogue is generally not allowed, to maintain a reverent environment. The synagogue can be especially moving for those with an interest in Jewish history or Holocaust studies, as it commemorates the lives lost in Prague and the surrounding regions. The Jewish Museum ticket often covers entry to multiple sites in the Jewish Quarter.
The Pinkas Synagogue is centrally located in Prague’s Jewish Quarter, just a short walk from Old Town Square. It’s easily accessible by public transport, with the nearest metro station being Staroměstská (Line A). From there, it’s only about a 5-minute walk to the synagogue. Alternatively, you can take tram line 17 or 18 to the Právnická fakulta stop, which is also a short walk away. The synagogue is part of the larger Jewish Museum complex, so it’s often combined with visits to nearby sites like the Spanish Synagogue and Old Jewish Cemetery.
The Pinkas Synagogue is open year-round, and while it is typically not crowded, it is best to visit early in the day, especially during the busy summer months, to avoid the largest crowds. Mornings and weekdays tend to be quieter, offering a more contemplative experience. The synagogue is often included in guided tours of the Jewish Quarter, which can be informative and enriching. If you're visiting Prague around Jewish holidays or National Holocaust Memorial Days, expect more visitors and special ceremonies, which might add to the experience.