New Synagogue in Libeň

The New Libeň Synagogue stands in Prague's Libeň district, close to the Palmovka intersection and the metro station of the same name. This mid-19th-century Neo-Romanesque building is one of the few surviving traces of a Jewish community that shaped daily life in this part of Prague for more than a century.

Where exactly is the synagogue located?

The building sits on Ludmilina street, right next to the Palmovka transport hub in Prague 8, within easy walking distance of the metro station. That makes it an accessible stop even for visitors who aren't planning a long stay in this part of the city. The surrounding area today is busy and commercial, so the historic synagogue stands out sharply against its modern-day neighborhood.

How did a Jewish community end up in Libeň?

The story goes back to the mid-18th century, when Empress Maria Theresa ordered Jews expelled from Prague and assigned them permanent settlement in low-lying Libeň, an area prone to frequent flooding. Despite the difficult conditions, the community grew steadily, eventually becoming the second most significant Jewish center in what is now Prague.

Why was the synagogue built where it is?

Construction ran from 1846 to 1858, and the site was chosen deliberately: outside the boundaries of the original ghetto and on higher ground, as a direct response to the recurring floods that plagued the older, lower part of the district. The choice of location says a lot about how much flooding shaped everyday life for the local community.

What does the building look like architecturally?

The synagogue is a three-nave structure topped with a gable roof, built in the Neo-Romanesque style typical of Central European religious architecture in the mid-19th century. Its plain, restrained form and the regular rhythm of its windows set it apart from the more ornate synagogues built in later decades.

Is the synagogue still used for worship?

Yes, though only occasionally. A few times a year the building serves Prague's Jewish community, particularly the Czech Union of Jewish Youth, for its original purpose of religious services. Outside those occasions, it is sometimes used for cultural events.

Is the building legally protected?

Since 1993 the synagogue has been listed as a protected cultural monument, which shields it from demolition or unsympathetic alteration and helps preserve its original character for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly does the New Libeň Synagogue stand? On Ludmilina street in Prague's Libeň district, near the Palmovka intersection and the metro station of the same name.

When was the synagogue built? Construction took place between 1846 and 1858.

Can visitors go inside? The building is used only occasionally - mainly for a handful of religious services each year and for cultural events - so access depends on the current events schedule.

Why is it called the "new" synagogue? The name distinguishes it from an older synagogue in the lower-lying part of Libeň, which this building replaced due to persistent flooding.