Josefov (also Jewish Quarter; German: Josefstadt) is a town quarter and the smallest cadastral area of Prague, Czech Republic, formerly the Jewish ghetto of the town. It is completely surrounded by the Old Town. The quarter is often represented by the flag of Prague's Jewish community, a yellow Magen David (Star of David) on a red field. Jews are believed to have settled in Prague as early as the 10th century. The first pogrom was in 1096 (the first crusade) and eventually they were concentrated within a walled Ghetto. In 1262, Přemysl Otakar II issued a Statuta Judaeorum which granted the community a degree of self-administration. In 1389, one of the worst pogroms saw some 1,500 massacred at Easter Sunday. The ghetto was most prosperous towards the end of the 16th century when the Jewish Mayor, Mordecai Maisel, became the Minister of Finance and a very wealthy man. His money helped develop the ghetto. In 1850, the quarter was renamed "Josefstadt" (Joseph's City) after Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor who emancipated Jews with the Toleration Edict in 1781. Two years before Jews were allowed to settle outside of the city, so the share of the Jewish population in Josefov decreased, while only orthodox and poor Jews remained living there. Most of the quarter was demolished between 1893 and 1913 as part of an initiative to model the city on Paris. What was left were only six synagogues, the old cemetery, and the Old Jewish Town Hall (now all part of the Jewish Museum in Prague and described below). Currently Josefov is overbuilt with buildings from the beginning of the 20th century, so it is difficult to appreciate exactly what the old quarter was like when it was reputed to have over 18,000 inhabitants. Medieval Josefov is depicted in the 1920 film The Golem, composed of cramped, angular, squinted buildings, but this impression is used purely to convey the expressionist nature of the film. • Franz Kafka's birthplace. • High Synagogue (Vysoká synagoga): 16th-century synagogue. • Jewish Town Hall (Židovská radnice): 18th-century rococo town hall. • Klaus Synagogue (Klausova synagoga): 16th-century baroque synagogue. • Maisel Synagogue (Maiselova synagoga): 16th-century synagogue destroyed by fire, now used as a museum. • Pinkas Synagogue (Pinkasova synagoga): 16th-century synagogue, now a memorial to Holocaust victims. • Spanish Synagogue (Španělská synagoga): 19th-century synagogue with Moorish interior. • Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý židovský hřbitov): 15th- to 18th-century cemetery. Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery. • Old New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga): 13th-century Gothic synagogue. • Jewish Ceremonial Hall, Prague (Obřadní síň): 20th-century neo-renaissance hall.

Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov) Tours and Tickets
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Josefov (also Jewish Quarter; German: Josefstadt) is a town quarter and the smallest cadastral area of Prague, Czech Republic, formerly the Jewish ghetto of the town. It is completely surrounded by the Old Town. The quarter is often represented by the flag of Prague's Jewish community, a yellow Magen David (Star of David) on a red field. Jews are believed to have settled in Prague as early as the 10th century. The first pogrom was in 1096 (the first crusade) and eventually they were concentrated within a walled Ghetto. In 1262, Přemysl Otakar II issued a Statuta Judaeorum which granted the community a degree of self-administration. In 1389, one of the worst pogroms saw some 1,500 massacred at Easter Sunday. The ghetto was most prosperous towards the end of the 16th century when the Jewish Mayor, Mordecai Maisel, became the Minister of Finance and a very wealthy man. His money helped develop the ghetto. In 1850, the quarter was renamed "Josefstadt" (Joseph's City) after Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor who emancipated Jews with the Toleration Edict in 1781. Two years before Jews were allowed to settle outside of the city, so the share of the Jewish population in Josefov decreased, while only orthodox and poor Jews remained living there. Most of the quarter was demolished between 1893 and 1913 as part of an initiative to model the city on Paris. What was left were only six synagogues, the old cemetery, and the Old Jewish Town Hall (now all part of the Jewish Museum in Prague and described below). Currently Josefov is overbuilt with buildings from the beginning of the 20th century, so it is difficult to appreciate exactly what the old quarter was like when it was reputed to have over 18,000 inhabitants. Medieval Josefov is depicted in the 1920 film The Golem, composed of cramped, angular, squinted buildings, but this impression is used purely to convey the expressionist nature of the film. • Franz Kafka's birthplace. • High Synagogue (Vysoká synagoga): 16th-century synagogue. • Jewish Town Hall (Židovská radnice): 18th-century rococo town hall. • Klaus Synagogue (Klausova synagoga): 16th-century baroque synagogue. • Maisel Synagogue (Maiselova synagoga): 16th-century synagogue destroyed by fire, now used as a museum. • Pinkas Synagogue (Pinkasova synagoga): 16th-century synagogue, now a memorial to Holocaust victims. • Spanish Synagogue (Španělská synagoga): 19th-century synagogue with Moorish interior. • Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý židovský hřbitov): 15th- to 18th-century cemetery. Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery. • Old New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga): 13th-century Gothic synagogue. • Jewish Ceremonial Hall, Prague (Obřadní síň): 20th-century neo-renaissance hall.
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Access for Seniors
- Distance from drop-off location to entrance: Less than 20 m
- Recommended time for visit мore than 3 hours
- Recommended time for visit 1 hour
- Recommended time for visit 2 hours
Accessibility for wheels
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Can have severe slope, cobblestones, and/or gravel
- Accessible elevator
- Bathroom: Too narrow for wheelchair
- Easy without assistance
- Step-Free
- Wide doors >= 75 cm and < 90 cm
- Exhibit height - 3
- Accessible Toilet
Access for Visually Impaired
- Braille description
- Audio Guide
- Place has Special Guide Service
- Service animals permitted
- Touch Gallery
In the heart of Prague lies the Jewish Quarter, a place bursting with history, tradition, and emotion. As you step into this sacred area, you can feel the weight of centuries pressing down upon you, whispering stories of triumph and tragedy.
The cobblestone streets echo with the footsteps of past generations, leading you towards the hauntingly beautiful synagogues that stand as silent witnesses to the struggles of the Jewish people. The walls of the buildings seem to reverberate with the prayers and tears of those who once sought refuge within their comforting embrace.
You can almost taste the bittersweet tang of history in the air, mingling with the scent of incense and old books. The textures of the ancient stones under your fingertips tell a story of resilience, of a community that has weathered countless storms and emerged stronger for it.
As you wander through the narrow alleys, you come across a small courtyard bathed in dappled sunlight. The sound of a violin drifts through the air, its mournful melody tugging at your heartstrings. You can picture the ghosts of the past dancing in the sunlight, their laughter mingling with the strains of music.
In a secluded corner, you discover a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The names etched in stone seem to speak to you, drawing you into their stories of loss and survival. The weight of their suffering presses down upon you, a heavy cloak that you cannot shake off.
But amidst the sorrow, there is also a glimmer of hope. You stumble upon a small garden, bursting with colorful blooms and the sweet scent of lavender. The sun filters through the leaves, casting a warm glow over the scene. Here, in this oasis of beauty, you feel a sense of peace wash over you, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found.
As you make your way back towards the entrance of the Jewish Quarter, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of reverence for the history that surrounds you. The stories of triumph and tragedy, of resilience and loss, linger in the air, reminding you of the enduring spirit of a people who have faced the darkest of times and emerged, unbowed.
With a heavy heart and a renewed sense of hope, you bid farewell to the Jewish Quarter, knowing that its stories will stay with you long after you have left its hallowed streets.
The Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov) offers audio descriptive guides for visitors with visual impairments. These guides provide audio narration of the exhibits and help make the experience accessible to all visitors.
Sensory-friendly hours may be available at some locations within the Prague Jewish Quarter. It is recommended to contact the specific sites or attractions within the Jewish Quarter directly to inquire about any upcoming sensory-friendly hours or accommodations.
Overall, efforts are continuously being made to improve accessibility within the Prague Jewish Quarter to ensure all visitors can have a meaningful and enjoyable experience.
The Prague Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov, is a neighborhood rich in history and culture. As a local writer, I have always been drawn to the fascinating stories that this area holds. The narrow streets lined with historic buildings, the stunning synagogues, and the Old Jewish Cemetery all come together to create a truly unique atmosphere.
One of the most striking features of Josefov is the collection of six synagogues, each with its own distinctive character and history. The Spanish Synagogue, with its intricate Moorish design, is a particular favorite of mine. Walking through its ornate interior, with its stunning stained glass windows and detailed tile work, is like stepping back in time.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is another must-visit spot in Josefov. This hauntingly beautiful cemetery is the final resting place of thousands of Prague’s Jewish residents, with tombstones dating back centuries. The cramped layout of the cemetery, with tombstones leaning haphazardly against each other, is a poignant reminder of the long and tumultuous history of the Jewish community in Prague.
As an artist, I find endless inspiration in the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Josefov. The neighborhood has long been a hub of creativity, with artists and intellectuals drawn to its vibrant atmosphere. The Jewish Museum in Prague, which preserves the history and traditions of the Jewish community, is a treasure trove of art and artifacts that never fails to fuel my creative spirit.
For visitors looking to experience the true essence of Prague’s Jewish Quarter, I recommend taking a guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide. They can provide invaluable insights into the history and significance of the neighborhood, helping you to truly appreciate its beauty and depth.
In conclusion, the Prague Jewish Quarter is a place of profound historical and cultural significance, and one that continues to captivate locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re exploring its synagogues, wandering its streets, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Josefov is a neighborhood that stays with you long after you’ve left.
For visiting the Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov), here are some details to help plan your trip:
### Directions and Transportation:
- Public Transportation: The Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the metro to the Staroměstská station (Line A) or the Náměstí Republiky station (Line B). From there, it’s a short walk to the Jewish Quarter.
- Tram: Trams also run through the area, with several stops close to the Jewish Quarter. Tram lines 17 and 18 stop near the Old Town Square, which is adjacent to Josefov.
- Accessibility: Most of the tourist sites in the Jewish Quarter are wheelchair accessible. However, some historic buildings may have limited accessibility due to their age and architectural design. It’s advisable to check with individual sites beforehand.
### Ticket Booking and Discounts:
- Ticket Booking: Tickets for the various attractions in the Prague Jewish Quarter can be purchased on-site at the ticket offices or online through official websites.
- Discounts: Student, senior, and group discounts are often available at certain sites within the Jewish Quarter. It’s recommended to inquire about discounts at the ticket office or check the official websites for more information.
### Local Amenities:
- Parking: There are paid parking lots and garages available near the Prague Jewish Quarter. It’s advisable to use public transportation due to limited parking space in the area.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available at most of the tourist sites within the Jewish Quarter. Additionally, there are public restroom facilities in the surrounding areas.
- Dining: There are several restaurants, cafes, and food stalls in and around the Jewish Quarter catering to various dietary needs. From traditional Czech cuisine to international options, you’ll find a range of dining choices to suit your preferences.
### Enjoy your visit to the Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov) and explore the rich history and culture of this fascinating area!


