Španělská synagoga Synagogue

Welcome to the Spanish Synagogue - one of the youngest and most interesting monuments in Prague's Jewish town in Josefa. You are standing in front of a building that differs not only from other synagogues in the area but also from history. Its walls tell us about the time when people who wanted a new beginning prayed here, and about the architecture that brought the air of distant Spain to Prague.

Let's go together and see how this monument came to be. In the middle of the nineteenth century, the old synagogue, which stood in this place, was not enough for the growing Jewish community. They needed a more spacious place for worship, so in 1867 the decision was made to tear down the old building and build a new one. It was to be inspired by the Moorish architecture they knew from Spain - with charming arches, stucco decoration and elements that resemble ancient palaces on the Iberian peninsula. Originally, the synagogue was called Temple in Spiritual Street, but later, when its style became inseparable for the Pražani, it got the name it wears today - Španělská synagoga.

Look at the front of the building. Although time and various reconstructions have left traces, you can still see some of the original elements. Note the stucco decorations that resemble arabesque patterns - they were typical of the Moorish architecture. And if you look up, you will see a circular window that was decorated in 1882 with a stained glass with a six-pointed star - a symbol that is extremely important to the Jewish religion.

Now pay attention to the interior. Although the synagogue was transformed over time - for example in the 1950s, it served as a hospital - some original elements were preserved. After the reconstruction in 1958, an exposition of synagogue textile was set up to show you how Jewish ceremonies have evolved in the past. The dome roof, which was typical of the Moorish buildings, provided a special atmosphere - as if you had entered another world, where the traditions of two continents were mixed.

Who was behind this synagogue? Its main architect was Vojtěch Ignác Ullmann, but several other masters participated in the construction - Josef Niklas, Jan Bělský, Karel Pecánek, Antonín Baum and Bedřich Münzberger. Each of them contributed with his art to make this building not only a place of worship, but also a work that would appeal to those who did not directly encounter Judaism.

And now comes something that might surprise you. This synagogue is the youngest of all that survived in Prague's Jewish city. While other monuments stood here for centuries, Španělská synagoga is almost younger than the whole of Joseph. And yet it is she who brings something unique to this place - the combination of two cultures, two worlds that have met here in one architectural work.

Before you lies a place that tells a story not only about faith, but also about how people tried to find their place in a changing world. Look at every detail, feel the atmosphere and take a moment to understand what it was like to be a part of this community. If you continue your journey after Joseph, remember that each synagogue has its own story. And who knows, maybe one of them will interest you even more than this one.

Thank you for taking the time to visit the Spanish Synagogue. Let the next steps in Prague inspire you just like this monument inspired its creator. Good trip!