Old New Synagogue

The Old-New Synagogue in Prague is the oldest active synagogue in Europe, standing at the heart of Prague's Josefov district on Červená Street 2. For nearly seven and a half centuries it has served without interruption as a house of worship, making it a rare living witness to the history of the city's Jewish community.

Where is it located?

The building sits in Josefov, the former Jewish quarter now woven into Prague's Old Town, just a short walk from Old Town Square. It's an easy stop for anyone exploring the city centre on foot — within a few hundred metres you'll find other landmarks of the historic ghetto, including the Old Jewish Cemetery and the remaining synagogues that today form part of the district's museum complex. The address on Červená Street places the synagogue on a narrow lane, modestly tucked into the dense fabric of the quarter.

What makes it so significant?

The claim to being the oldest active synagogue in Europe isn't a minor detail — the building has served the local Jewish community as a place of prayer since its founding and, remarkably, still does today, having survived fires, unrest, occupation, and decades of communist rule. That continuity is rare among Europe's religious landmarks. For Prague's Jewish community, it remains a functioning centre of religious life, not merely a museum piece.

What should visitors know before going?

Entry to the interior is usually included as part of a combined ticket covering other Josefov sites, since the synagogue is presented as part of the trail dedicated to Prague's Jewish history. As an active place of worship, opening hours can be limited on Jewish holidays and on Shabbat, so it's worth checking locally or at the district's information point before planning a visit. Men are generally expected to cover their heads before entering, a standard rule for visiting working synagogues.

What else is nearby?

Josefov is small but densely packed with historic sites. From the Old-New Synagogue it's only a few minutes' walk to the Old Jewish Cemetery, known for its tightly clustered gravestones, as well as to the district's other synagogues, together forming one of the best-known memorial complexes tied to Central European Jewish history. The whole area lies just steps from Old Town, so a visit here fits easily into a broader day of sightseeing in Prague.

When is the best time to visit?

Josefov, sitting right in Prague's historic centre, draws crowds throughout the year, with the heaviest tourist traffic in summer. Early mornings and the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn tend to be better choices for visitors who want to avoid the crowds and take their time inside the synagogue and along the quarter's narrow streets.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Old-New Synagogue really the oldest active synagogue in Europe? Yes, that's its recognised status — the building has functioned continuously as a place of worship since it was built, something no other synagogue on the continent can claim.

Where exactly is the synagogue located? In the Josefov district in central Prague, at Červená Street 2, right next to the Old Town.

Can visitors go inside? Yes, the synagogue is open to visitors, typically as part of a ticket covering other Jewish heritage sites in Prague, though as an active place of worship it keeps its own visiting hours and rules.

Do you need to cover your head to enter? Yes, men are expected to wear a head covering before entering — a standard requirement at active synagogues, including this one.