It takes its name from its striking Moorish-style décor, inspired by the famous Spanish Alhambra. Rich gilding, coloured stained glass, and ornamental stucco arabesques create an interior that literally glows with gold and colour.
Historical Background
The site of today's synagogue was originally occupied by the Old School, the oldest prayer house of the Prague Jewish community, documented as far back as the 13th century. The origin of the synagogue's name is linked to the 16th century: following the expulsion of Jews from Spain by Isabella of Castile in 1492, some Sephardic refugees settled in Prague and adopted this prayer house as their own. From that time on, the building became known as the Spanish Synagogue. It carries the memory of the Sephardic presence in Prague to this day, even though the synagogue itself never followed the Sephardic rite.
The Old School was demolished in 1867. The new Moorish-style building was designed by architects Vojtěch Ignác Ullmann and Josef Niklas, constructed under the supervision of Jan Bělský, and solemnly opened in 1868. Between 1882 and 1893, the unique interior decoration was completed to designs by Antonín Baum and Bedřich Münzberger. In 1935, a Functionalist annex by architect Karel Pecánek was added, housing a winter prayer hall.
During World War II, the synagogue served as a warehouse for confiscated synagogue objects from across Bohemia and Moravia. It came under the care of the Jewish Museum in Prague in 1955, and in 1960 an exhibition of synagogue textiles was opened there. From the 1970s the building fell into neglect and was closed in 1982. Extensive restoration work could only begin after 1989; between 1995 and 1998 the synagogue was renewed and reopened to the public. A further reconstruction in 2019–2020 expanded the exhibition space to over 600 m².
The musical history of the site holds a fascinating footnote: between 1836 and 1845, while the Old School still stood, its organist was František Škroup, the composer of the Czech national anthem.
Architecture and Interior
The building has a square floor plan with a massive central dome and surrounding internal galleries. Both the façade and the interior are suffused with Moorish motifs: richly decorated arches, geometric ornaments, and stucco arabesques inspired by Islamic decorative art. The centrepiece of the main hall is the Aron ha-kodesh, styled in the form of a mihrab — a niche characteristic of Muslim places of worship. The entire space is bathed in coloured stained glass and polychrome gilded surfaces.
The south gallery houses the organ, which lends the space exceptional acoustics. Exquisite woodcarving is visible on the doors, balustrades, and other interior details. The synagogue in Příbram was historically built as a smaller replica of the Prague Spanish Synagogue — testament to its extraordinary influence on Czech religious architecture.
Exhibition and Cultural Programme
Today the Spanish Synagogue forms part of the Prague Jewish Town visitor circuit. It houses the permanent exhibition Jews in the Czech Lands, 19th–20th Century, opened in December 2020 following the major reconstruction. Spread across more than 600 m², the exhibition traces two centuries of turbulent history: the gradual emancipation of Jews in Austria-Hungary, the emergence of the Czech-Jewish and Zionist movements, the Hilsner Affair, the demolition and rebuilding of Prague's Josefov quarter, and the fate of the local community during the Holocaust and in the post-war period.
Through Judaica, three-dimensional artefacts, documents, films, and photographs, visitors encounter prominent figures such as Franz Kafka, Sigmund Freud, and Gustav Mahler. Among the most prized exhibits is a Hanukkah menorah from 1785 bearing a portrait of Emperor Joseph II. A map of Jewish monuments throughout Bohemia and Moravia is also part of the exhibition.
The synagogue is also a popular venue for chamber music concerts and other cultural events held regularly throughout the year.
Practical Information
The Spanish Synagogue is located at Vězeňská 1, Prague 1. Admission is included in the combined ticket for the Prague Jewish Town circuit, which grants entry to four synagogues (Maisel, Pinkas, Old-New, and Spanish) and to the Old Jewish Cemetery. The ticket is valid for three days from the date of purchase. The synagogue is closed on Saturdays (the Sabbath) and on Jewish holidays.
Opening hours: January–March and October–December 9:00–16:30, April and September–October 9:00–18:00, May–August 9:00–19:00.
Admission (combined circuit): adults 600 CZK, students up to 26 years 400 CZK, children aged 7–15 200 CZK, children under 6 free. Holders of the Prague Visitor Pass or Cool Pass are admitted free of charge. Holders of an annual Lítačka transport card receive a 30% discount.
The synagogue is fully wheelchair accessible (via platform lift) on all three floors. Audio guides, a museum shop, and toilets are available on site. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket desks at the Jewish Museum information centre and at selected synagogues.