Maisel Synagogue: Gateway to the History of the Prague Ghetto

The Maisel Synagogue is an ideal starting point for a visit to Prague’s Jewish Town. It currently houses an exhibition on the Jewish history of Bohemia and Moravia between the 10th and the 18th centuries. The building itself bears witness to a remarkable past.

The Synagogue of Mordecai Maisel

The synagogue was commissioned by Mordecai Maisel (1528–1601), the mayor of Prague’s Jewish Town and one of the wealthiest inhabitants of Prague during the reign of Rudolf II. Built between 1590 and 1592, it was the largest and grandest synagogue in the ghetto.

Built by Judah Tzoref de Herz and Josef Wahl, it was originally a Renaissance temple with three naves, which was unusual for its day. The ceremonial opening took place on the holiday of Simchat Torah in 1592.
 

Mordecai Maisel – The man who changed the ghetto

Maisel was not only a wealthy merchant and banker, but also a generous patron. He financed the construction of synagogues (the Maisel and the High), the Jewish Town Hall, a hospital, and three Klausen, where the renowned Rabbi Loew taught. Maisel had the main streets of the ghetto paved at his own expense and, in 1581, he donated 100 thalers toward the construction of St. Salvator Church – a reflection of the tolerant atmosphere of Prague during the reign of Rudolf II.

History and transformations

• 1592–1689: The synagogue was the focal point of the ghetto. It originally rested on 20 pillars and included side aisles for women.

• 1689: A ghetto fire caused the vaulting to collapse, which shortened the building by a third. The building is now supported by 14 pillars.

• 19th century: Alterations were carried out between 1862 and 1864, based on plans drawn up by the architect J. W. Wertmüller.

• Urban renewal of Josefov: The synagogue lost its dominant position within the Jewish Quarter and was given a Neo-Gothic makeover to a design by Alfred Grotte – a form it has retained to this day.

•  Nazi occupation: The building was used as a warehouse for confiscated Jewish property.

• 1955: The Jewish Museum in Prague acquired the synagogue for use as a repository; it later became part of the museum’s exhibition circuit.

Present

The Maisel Synagogue now hosts an exhibition on the history of Jewish settlement  from its beginnings to the Enlightenment. It is also a venue for cultural events organized by the Jewish Museum.

Exhibition
 

• An animated visualization of Langweil’s Model of Prague, showing the Jewish Quarter as it was before the urban renewal.

• Unique items on display:

  o A ring with a Hebrew inscription (12th–13th century)

  o A Torah ark curtain donated by Mordecai Maisel

  o The original writings of Rabbi Loew

  o The banner of the Prague Jewish community

  o The burial robe of the Portuguese mystic Solomon Molcho (16th century)
 

Visitor information

• Part of the sightseeing tour: The Prague Jewish Town

•  Wheelchair access: yes

•  Services: ticket office, museum shop, restrooms

​Visit the Maisel Synagogue in Prague

• Buy tickets online
• Find out more about the exhibition

Video & 3D tour

Where to find us

Maiselova 10, 110 00, Prague 1

Frequently asked questions

Maiselova synagoga / Maisel Synagogue

Maiselova synagoga / Maisel Synagogue

Maiselova synagoga / Maisel Synagogue

Maiselova synagoga / Maisel Synagogue