The Old-New Synagogue
The Old-New Synagogue
3.5
About
The oldest surviving example of a medieval twin-nave synagogue, the early-Gothic structure was built during the 13th century.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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from £32.23
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Josefov
Josefov houses Prague’s Jewish community. This small neighbourhood centered around Široká street is completely surrounded by Staré Město (Old Town). As the former Jewish Ghetto, today all that remains are a few synagogues and the oldest surviving Jewish cemetery in Europe. The narrow streets were once small enough that a person could touch the houses on both sides. You can still feel the dignity and history this neighbourhood carries in its legacy as Franz Kafka’s birthplace. Nearby streets are full of kosher restaurants, museums and antique bookstores.
How to get there
- Old Town • 3 min walk
- Lesser • 8 min walk
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Best nearby
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Restaurants
4,508 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,415 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- jane GLondon, United Kingdom39 contributionsPoor value for moneyWe bought entry to the old-new synagogue plus the ticket staff persuaded us into renting one audio guide device to listen to. The audio guide was mostly a tour of the old city and a bit about kafka. Only one mention of less than 5 mins giving info on Jewish Prague and the old synagogue. Very dry commentary. Not worth the money. The audio guide was (I think 400 or 500). Don't bother with it. Just get the synagogue entry and look up about it on your phone. Also you are not allowed to take any photos inside and women aren't allowed shorts though men were.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 June 2023
- Gidons51Herzliya, Israel4,333 contributionsGothic style synagogue built in the 13 century.This is the oldest active synagogue in Europe Built in Gothic style in the 13th century. There was an older synagogue that was demolished in 1867 therefore this one is called the old new synagogue. Prayer on Saturdays at 0900 . Nice old building serves as well the Jewish community of Prague .Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 22 July 2023
- inlvrBrussels, Belgium15 contributionsToo expensive for what it offeredWe bought a combination ticket for about 17 Euro each. This gave us access to several synagogues and the cemetery when in fact all we wanted to visit was the Spanish synagogue. There is no way to buy entry to just the Spanish synagogue. The combo ticket holds little interest and in my view is not worth it and too expensive. If it had included the Jerusalem synagogue and the old New synagogue I think it would have been worth it. I think the organisers need to reconsider the pricing strategy as it smacks of tourist rip offVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 September 2023
- TommoMelbourne, Australia50,436 contributionsHistorical but ugly buildingWe discovered the Old New Synagogue during our walking tour around the Jewish Quarter. It is also known asthe Altneuschul. This is the oldest active synagogue in Europe. The architecture to me is quite ugly but offers historical significance.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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3.5
876 reviews
Excellent
270
Very good
245
Average
196
Poor
89
Terrible
76
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia50,436 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We discovered the Old New Synagogue during our walking tour around the Jewish Quarter.
It is also known asthe Altneuschul.
This is the oldest active synagogue in Europe.
The architecture to me is quite ugly but offers historical significance.
It is also known asthe Altneuschul.
This is the oldest active synagogue in Europe.
The architecture to me is quite ugly but offers historical significance.
Written 10 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
inlvr
Brussels, Belgium15 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We bought a combination ticket for about 17 Euro each. This gave us access to several synagogues and the cemetery when in fact all we wanted to visit was the Spanish synagogue. There is no way to buy entry to just the Spanish synagogue. The combo ticket holds little interest and in my view is not worth it and too expensive. If it had included the Jerusalem synagogue and the old New synagogue I think it would have been worth it. I think the organisers need to reconsider the pricing strategy as it smacks of tourist rip off
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gidons51
Herzliya, Israel4,333 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
This is the oldest active synagogue in Europe Built in Gothic style in the 13th century. There was an older synagogue that was demolished in 1867 therefore this one is called the old new synagogue.
Prayer on Saturdays at 0900 . Nice old building serves as well the Jewish community of Prague .
Prayer on Saturdays at 0900 . Nice old building serves as well the Jewish community of Prague .
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jane G
London, UK39 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We bought entry to the old-new synagogue plus the ticket staff persuaded us into renting one audio guide device to listen to. The audio guide was mostly a tour of the old city and a bit about kafka. Only one mention of less than 5 mins giving info on Jewish Prague and the old synagogue. Very dry commentary. Not worth the money. The audio guide was (I think 400 or 500). Don't bother with it. Just get the synagogue entry and look up about it on your phone. Also you are not allowed to take any photos inside and women aren't allowed shorts though men were.
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
parksvisitor
Maple Grove, MN1,326 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
First of all, the price of admission didn't enter into our visit as we had a package deal as a part of a tour of Jewish Prague, in which we visited multiple synagogues. You really need to visit this one to see the full spectrum of Prague synagogues, as it is completely different than the rest, which is probably because it is the oldest. The others are more ornate and tourist friendly, but this one felt more real and relatable to me.
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue M
Williamsburg, VA1,502 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We only saw the outside of the Synagogue. Our tour guide said this is the oldest active Synagogue in Prague. The building is from the 13th century.
Written 15 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
muttibey
Izmir, Türkiye1,029 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
If you want to see the two different types of Synagogues and then do some high end shopping this area can be interesting for you.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oonagh S
8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Worth a visit but over priced , there was no leaflets in English to help us find out about it luckily I asked one of the ladies who worked there she was great and gave us a oral talk about the synagogue.
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelerTrecker
Houston842 contributions
Oct 2022
This is a very interesting synagogue! Of all synagogues that are part of Jewish museum, this is the oldest one and it is till in use. It closes 1 hour earlier than the others (Spanish, Pynkas, Klausen, Maisel). This is the oldest synagogue (it was built in the 13th century) and the most important one in Prague. The synagogue protected the Jewish community during the pogroms and you can still see some evidence of the tragic events in the walls. It is also the site of the Golem's legend that is so important as a symbol of protection and humility. The Golem is the protagonist of very important literature books.
I disagree with what some reviews say. It is truth that you have to pay an extra ticket; however, it is worth to visit the synagogue given its history, unique architecture, and legends. In addition, you will see the ark, the standard, and the tympanum which are very interesting. It survived the holocaust.
You may get the full ticket that allows you to visit all synagogues, the ceremonial hall, the old cemetery, and the Robert Guttmann museum. The ticket is expensive however it is worth to buy it and is valid for 7 days.
I disagree with what some reviews say. It is truth that you have to pay an extra ticket; however, it is worth to visit the synagogue given its history, unique architecture, and legends. In addition, you will see the ark, the standard, and the tympanum which are very interesting. It survived the holocaust.
You may get the full ticket that allows you to visit all synagogues, the ceremonial hall, the old cemetery, and the Robert Guttmann museum. The ticket is expensive however it is worth to buy it and is valid for 7 days.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,818 contributions
Nov 2022
Europe's oldest active synagogue; completed in 1270. The design is quite interesting. Apparently, there is a hefty charge to enter (we didn't do so), but reviewers say it isn't worth the fee. We found it interesting just to see from the outside.
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
consilya .
Bologna, Italy638 contributions
il biglietto cumulativo quanto costa e cosa comprende?
Ida B
Province of Bergamo, Italy645 contributions
Eccomi, ho controllato. Costa 530 corone ceche.
BellaCoolaman
Prince George, BC138 contributions
Shalom,
My 19-year daughter Eden (who is not Jewish but whose grandfather was and used to go to the Old-New Synagogue in the late 1930s) will be in Prague between May 3 and June 12 this year. I am wondering if as a non-Jew she is allowed to attend a Shabbat service at the synagogue. Also, are there dress requirements she should be aware of such as not wearing long pants or having to wear a hat?
Thank you.
Pavel V
Prague, Czech Republic
It's better to have some ID with you and count with the security check.
napoleone1982
Sorrento, Italy1,483 contributions
Is possible to visit the Synagogue using the Prague Card?
Pavel V
Prague, Czech Republic
No, the Old-New synagogue is not included in the Prague Card - but you may visit the Jewish Museum using the Prague Card.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Old-New Synagogue
- The Old-New Synagogue admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost £31.97, while a popular guided tour starts around £2.08 per person.
- Hotels near The Old-New Synagogue:
- (0.02 mi) Prague Old Town Residence
- (0.02 mi) Maiselova Rooms
- (0.08 mi) Gorgeous Prague Rooms
- (0.13 mi) Fairmont Golden Prague hotel
- (0.10 mi) Residence Brehova - Prague City Apartments
- Restaurants near The Old-New Synagogue:
- (0.02 mi) TRDELNÍK & COFFEE
- (0.03 mi) Kafka Hummus Café
- (0.03 mi) Pilsner Urquell Cafe
- (0.08 mi) La Veranda
- (0.09 mi) Pepenero Pizza & Pasta