Spanish Synagogue

Europe,
Czech Republic,
Prague,
Josefov
The Spanish Synagogue of Prague, also known as Španělská synagoga, is a magnificent example of Moorish architecture located in the heart of the city’s Jewish quarter, known as Josefov. Built in 1868, the synagogue stands on the site of Prague’s oldest synagogue, the Altschul, which was demolished to make way for the new structure. The architectural design was entrusted to Vojtěch Ignác Ullmann and Josef Niklas, while the interior was beautifully decorated by Antonín Baum and Bedřich Münzberger, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. The name “Spanish Synagogue” derives from its Moorish style, reminiscent of Islamic art from medieval Spain. The interior is a riot of geometric ornaments and vegetal motifs, with rich decorations in golden stucco and colored stained glass creating a suggestive and mystical atmosphere. The synagogue is also famous for its organ, played by František Škroup, composer of the Czech national anthem, between 1836 and 1845. During World War II, like many other synagogues, the Spanish Synagogue was used by the Nazis as a storage facility for goods confiscated from Czech Jewish communities. After the war, in 1955, the synagogue became part of the Jewish Museum of Prague and underwent significant restoration between 1958 and 1959. However, during the communist period of the 1970s, the building fell into a state of disrepair, leading to its closure in 1982. The revival of the Spanish Synagogue took place after the Velvet Revolution, with extensive renovation completed in 1998, returning this architectural gem to the public. The latest restoration, carried out between 2018 and 2020, further improved the structural integrity and decorative beauty of the synagogue, making it one of the main points of interest in Prague. In addition to its religious function, the Spanish Synagogue houses a permanent exhibition on the history of Jews in the Bohemian lands from the 19th century to the present day. This exhibition, covering the period from the emancipation of Jews under the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the events of the 20th century, is a testament to the contribution of the Jewish community to Czech culture and society. The exhibition also includes liturgical objects, textiles, and other artifacts that illustrate the rich cultural heritage of Czech Jews. An interesting aspect of the Spanish Synagogue is its function as a cultural space: in addition to religious ceremonies, the building hosts classical music concerts thanks to its excellent acoustics. This practice began in the 1930s with the addition of the “Winter Synagogue,” designed by architect Karel Pecánek, which expanded the facilities to better accommodate worshippers during the colder months. The location of the Spanish Synagogue in Prague’s Jewish quarter makes it an integral part of a historical route that includes other synagogues, the old Jewish cemetery, and various museums. Every building and every stone in this neighborhood tells stories of prosperity, persecution, resilience, and rebirth, reflecting the complex history of the Prague Jewish community.
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