Exploring Pinkas Synagogue History

The Pinkas Synagogue was founded in 1535 by Aaron Meshullam Horowitz. It originally served as a private place of worship for the wealthy Horowitz family. Over the centuries, the building underwent several architectural changes. It blends Late Gothic and Renaissance styles beautifully. You can still see the intricate vaulting and historic inscriptions inside the main hall today.

After World War II, the synagogue took on a new, solemn purpose. It was converted into a memorial for Holocaust victims between 1954 and 1959. This transformation turned the walls into a massive canvas of remembrance. It is now a key part of Jewish Quarter Prague attractions for global travelers. The site is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves vital European history.

During the Communist era, the memorial faced many challenges. The names on the walls were covered up for several decades. Following the Velvet Revolution, the inscriptions were painstakingly restored. Today, the synagogue is part of the Prague official tourism portal recommendations. It remains a must-visit for anyone interested in the top attractions in Prague.

10 Pinkas Synagogue and Holocaust Memorial Facts

When visiting this site, you will encounter several distinct areas and exhibits. Each part of the synagogue tells a unique story of survival and loss. Here are the top items to see and the essential facts you should know before you go.

• Quick Pick (Best Overall): The Memorial Wall of Names.
• Quick Pick (Best for Families): Terezín Children's Art Exhibit.
• Quick Pick (Best for History): The 16th-Century Mikveh.

1. Name: The Memorial Wall of Names Type: Memorial Why go: This is the most striking feature of the interior. The names of nearly 80,000 Holocaust victims are hand-painted on the walls. Best for: Reflection and history buffs. Where: Main Hall. Time: 20–30 minutes. Cost: Included in Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro. Tip: Look for the names organized by the victim's last known town.
2. Name: Terezín Children's Drawings Exhibit Type: Art Exhibit Why go: This moving collection features drawings by children held in the Terezín Ghetto. It offers a child's perspective on the horrors of the war. Best for: Families and students. Where: First floor gallery. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Stairs inside the synagogue. Tip: Read the small biographies of the children to understand their stories.
3. Name: The 16th-Century Mikveh Type: Archaeological Site Why go: Discovered during renovations, this ritual bath dates back to the synagogue's founding. It shows the daily religious life of the early community. Best for: Archaeology fans. Where: Underground level. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Getting there: Follow the signs to the lower level. Tip: The space is small, so wait for crowds to clear.
4. Name: The Old Jewish Cemetery Type: Sight Why go: The synagogue serves as the main entrance to this world-famous cemetery. It contains over 12,000 visible tombstones. Best for: Photographers and historians. Where: Adjacent to the synagogue exit. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Check Old Jewish Cemetery ticket prices for details. Getting there: Exit through the synagogue courtyard. Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the largest tour groups.
5. Name: The Spanish Synagogue Type: Experience Why go: Known for its stunning Moorish Revival interior, it is a short walk away. It contrasts sharply with the somber Pinkas memorial. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Vězeňská street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Part of the circuit ticket. Getting there: 5-minute walk from Pinkas. Tip: Don't miss the Spanish Synagogue interior details.
6. Name: The Maisel Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: This nearby building houses an exhibit on the history of Jews in Bohemia. It provides essential context for the Pinkas Memorial. Best for: Contextual history. Where: Maiselova street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Getting there: 2-minute walk from Pinkas. Tip: Use the interactive touchscreens for a deeper dive into the maps.
7. Name: The Klausen Synagogue Type: Experience Why go: This is the largest synagogue in the Jewish Quarter. It focuses on Jewish customs and traditions. Best for: Cultural learners. Where: Next to the cemetery exit. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Getting there: Walk through the cemetery path. Tip: The ceiling decorations are particularly beautiful.
8. Name: The Jewish Ceremonial Hall Type: Sight Why go: Located next to the Klausen Synagogue, it focuses on the rituals of the Burial Society. It is a small but powerful building. Best for: Understanding local traditions. Where: U Starého hřbitova. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Getting there: Next to the cemetery exit. Tip: The building looks like a small stone castle.
9. Name: The Old-New Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: This is Europe's oldest active synagogue. It is famous for the legend of the Golem. Best for: Legend and folklore fans. Where: Červená street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Separate or combined ticket. Getting there: Across from the Jewish Town Hall. Tip: Men must wear a head covering (kippah) inside.
10. Name: Charles Bridge Type: Iconic Sight Why go: While not in the Jewish Quarter, it is a short walk away. It offers a great view of the Vltava River. Best for: General sightseeing. Where: 10-minute walk from Josefov. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south toward the river. Tip: Visit at sunrise for the best photos without crowds.