The Maisel Synagogue

Among Prague’s seven famous synagogues, Maisel Synagogue was once the largest and most beautiful building in the city’s Jewish ghetto. Built between 1590 and 1592, it was named after its founder, Mordechai Maisel, the great leader of Prague’s Jewish community during the 16th century. Initially a private synagogue, it was opened to the public in 1601 and held religious services until its final ceremony in 1941. Since then, it has become part of the Jewish Museum of Prague, housing a permanent exhibition on the history of Bohemian Jews from the 10th to the 13th century. While the interior may not be free to visit, you can still admire its diverse architectural styles — from Renaissance to Baroque and Neo-Gothic — reflecting the many transformations and renovations carried out over the years, especially after the fire of 1689.