Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Josefov, the Jewish quarter of Prague, is one of the most fascinating and historically rich places in the city. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this neighborhood bears witness to centuries of Jewish history and culture intertwined with the political and social vicissitudes of Bohemia and Moravia. The history of Josefov dates back to the 10th century, when the Jewish community began to settle along the banks of the Vltava River, creating one of the oldest and most important Jewish communities in Europe. The name “Josefov” was adopted in 1850 in honor of Emperor Joseph II, who introduced significant reforms improving the living conditions of the Jews. However, the history of this neighborhood is much older. Over the centuries, the inhabitants of Josefov faced periods of great prosperity but also of terrible persecutions, culminating during World War II and the Nazi occupation. One of the most distinctive features of Josefov is the presence of six historic synagogues, each with its own history and significance. The Old-New Synagogue (Altneuschul) is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe still in use. Built in the 13th century in Gothic style, it is famous for its legends, including that of the Golem, the clay creature animated by Rabbi Loew to protect the Jewish community. The Pinkas Synagogue, founded in the 16th century, now serves as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Bohemia and Moravia. The interior walls are covered with over 77,000 names of Czech Jews deported and killed during the Shoah, making it a place of great emotion and reflection. Near this synagogue is the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest and best-preserved in Europe. Dating back to the 15th century, the cemetery houses around 12,000 tombstones, including those of important figures such as Rabbi Loew and the poet and historian David Gans. The Klausen Synagogue, the largest in Josefov, was built in the 17th century and now houses a permanent exhibition on Jewish life and traditions. The Maisel Synagogue, built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 19th century, houses a vast collection of silverware, textiles, and historical manuscripts. The Spanish Synagogue, with its rich Moorish style, is an architectural gem of the 19th century, while the High Synagogue offers a glimpse into ancient documents and liturgical books. In addition to the synagogues, Josefov also houses the Old Jewish Town Hall, built in the 16th century. The town hall is known for its tower with a clock displaying Hebrew numerals, which rotates counterclockwise. This building was the administrative center of the Jewish community for centuries and continues to be a symbol of its resilience. The history of Josefov is closely linked to the political vicissitudes of Bohemia. During the Middle Ages, the Jews of Prague were often confined to the ghetto and subject to severe restrictions. Despite this, the community thrived thanks to trade and craftsmanship. In the 18th century, under Emperor Joseph II, reforms led to an improvement in the living conditions of the Jews, abolishing many of the previous restrictions. The 19th century saw further integration of the Jewish community into city life. However, the neighborhood underwent a radical transformation at the end of the century, when it was largely demolished and rebuilt following the model of urban interventions in Paris. This process, known as “aslopamento,” resulted in the loss of many historic structures, but also allowed for the construction of new buildings in the Art Nouveau style. During World War II, Josefov was severely affected by deportations and mass killings perpetrated by the Nazis. After the war, the neighborhood declined under the communist regime, but many of its structures were preserved thanks to the efforts of the Jewish Museum of Prague, founded in 1906 to preserve and document the rich history of the Czech Jewish community. Today, Josefov is a vibrant cultural and tourist district. Its synagogues and cemetery are an integral part of the Jewish Museum of Prague, which attracts visitors from around the world. Every year, thousands of people visit Josefov to explore its history, admire its architecture, and reflect on its cultural heritage. The neighborhood is also home to kosher restaurants, bookstores, and craft shops that keep the Jewish tradition alive. An interesting anecdote concerns Rabbi Loew and the Golem. Legend has it that Rabbi Loew created the Golem to protect the Jewish community from persecution. This clay creature, animated by Kabbalistic spells, was endowed with superhuman strength. However, when the Golem became uncontrollable, Rabbi Loew deactivated it and hid its body in the attic of the Old-New Synagogue, where, according to legend, it still lies today.