Pinkas Synagogue in Prague’s Josefov district is a 16th-century synagogue that now serves as a memorial to Czech Jewish victims of the Holocaust. More than 77,000 names cover its walls, alongside drawings made by children at Terezín and photographs of Czech Jewish families. Look up at the Gothic vaulting and Art Nouveau stained glass, then visit the Old Jewish Cemetery next door. The synagogue is part of the Jewish Museum in Prague, whose sites share admission tickets.
A synagogue dating to 1535
Pinkas Synagogue is among Prague’s oldest surviving synagogues. It was built in 1535 as a private place of worship for the Horowitz family. Later, it was enlarged to rival the Old-New Synagogue, and the building has undergone many restorations.
The main hall has crisscross Gothic vaulting and Art Nouveau stained glass. These details remain part of the setting for the memorial inside.
A memorial in the synagogue
The synagogue now commemorates Czech Jewish victims of the Shoah, or Holocaust. More than 77,000 names are written on its walls. The memorial was among the first of its kind.
The collection also includes drawings made by children at the Terezín concentration camp and photographs of Czech Jewish families. These works place individual lives alongside the names recorded on the walls.
Part of Josefov’s Jewish Museum
Pinkas Synagogue is part of the Jewish Museum in Prague. Its sites share opening hours and admission tickets, so you can plan a visit that includes other nearby museums and synagogues. The Old Jewish Cemetery is adjacent to the synagogue; the Klausen Synagogue is another nearby stop.
The cemetery and memorial are places for quiet attention. Men are required to wear a Jewish cap in both the synagogue and cemetery.
FAQ
What does Pinkas Synagogue commemorate?
It is a memorial to Czech Jewish victims of the Holocaust. More than 77,000 names are recorded on its walls.
What can you see inside Pinkas Synagogue?
The walls carry the names of Holocaust victims. The collection also includes children’s drawings from Terezín and photographs of Czech Jewish families, within a hall with Gothic vaulting and Art Nouveau stained glass.
Is the Old Jewish Cemetery next to Pinkas Synagogue?
Yes. The Old Jewish Cemetery is adjacent to the synagogue.
Do you need to wear a head covering?
Men are required to wear a Jewish cap inside the synagogue and cemetery.
