Jewish Quarter Exteriors

The Jewish Quarter, or the Jewish ghetto, has been an integral part of Prague’s Old Town since its early days. In 1245, the Lateran Council established regulations for the coexistence of Jews and Christians, one of which mandated the segregation of the Jewish population into designated areas of the city. As a result, Jewish communities in towns and villages were confined to specific neighbourhoods, often with restrictions on their professions to prevent competition with Christians.

However, some monarchs were more supportive of the Jewish community, allowing the Jewish Quarter to thrive. During the reign of Emperor Rudolf II, the Jewish Town Hall and the grand Maisel Synagogue were constructed, contributing to the district’s architectural and cultural development.

Sadly, at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the original Jewish ghetto was demolished due to its unsanitary conditions, lacking running water and sewage systems. In its place, a modern street network was laid out, along with a number of luxurious apartment buildings. Despite this transformation, several significant landmarks from the original Jewish Quarter remain. The Old Jewish Cemetery, with its centuries-old gravestones, stands as a poignant reminder of the past. Several synagogues, including the famous Old-New Synagogue—Europe's oldest active synagogue—have also survived the passage of time.

A walk through what remains of the Jewish Town is a journey through history, offering a glimpse into Prague’s rich Jewish heritage.