Most Prague Jewish history and culture tours stop at the Pinkas Synagogue and Old Jewish Cemetery, two of the most important Jewish sites in the city. Reflect on the names of more than 77,000 Holocaust victims at this 16th-century synagogue, the second oldest in Prague. Read the list of concentration camps they died at and visit the small museum of children’s art from the Terezin concentration camp. In the adjacent cemetery, wander through thousands of graves, including those of famous rabbis, poets, and scholars.
The synagogue is an active place of worship, so be respectful and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting.
Tickets and access to the adjacent Old Jewish Cemetery are next to the synagogue.
Photography is permitted, but do not disturb fellow visitors and avoid stepping over or sitting on gravestones.
Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the cemetery.
The cemetery paths are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers but the Synagogue interiors are not.
The Pinkas Synagogue (Pinkasova Synagoga) and Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý Zidovský Hrbitov) sit in the heart of the historic Jewish Quarter (Josefov), an easy walk from most sights in the Staré Město district. The nearest metro stop is Staromestska (line A), but the best way to visit is on a Jewish culture and history walking or driving tour.
The synagogue and cemetery are closed for the sabbath (from the early afternoon on Friday through Sunday morning) and on Jewish holidays. There are both indoor and outdoor portions of the site, so visit on a clear, dry day to explore the moving gravesites in the cemetery, as well as the synagogue interiors.
There are numerous historic Jewish sites in Prague, where you can learn about Jewish history—most concentrated around the former Jewish Quarter (Josefov). The most important include the Old New Synagogue (Altneuschul), the oldest in Prague; the 16th-century Maisel and Pinkas Synagogues; and the Moorish Revival-style Spanish Synagogue, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The Jewish Museum and Old Jewish Cemetery are also worth a visit.
