Great Synagogue (Plzeň)

Synagogue Large Moorish-revival synagogue in Plzeň, Czech Republic

Plzeň’s Great Synagogue is one of Europe’s largest surviving synagogues, built in Moorish Revival style; tourists visit for its interior decoration, Jewish history exhibits and occasional concerts.

Main image

The Great Synagogue of Plzeň is the main historic synagogue in the city of Pilsen in western Bohemia, Czech Republic. Completed in the late 19th century, it is among the largest synagogue buildings in Europe.

The interior features a large central prayer hall with decorative surfaces and a gallery that formerly served the congregation. The building is used today for guided visits, concerts, and exhibitions rather than regular large-scale religious services.

Erected for the city’s Jewish community in the late 1800s, the synagogue survived the 20th century and changes in population. After periods of neglect it has been restored and repurposed for cultural events and heritage interpretation.

Located in central Pilsen within the historic urban core, the synagogue sits close to other civic landmarks and is reachable on foot from the city center.

  • Large historic building: One of the largest synagogue buildings in Europe; the exterior is notable for its tall dome and ornate façades.
Great Synagogue (Plzeň)
Great Synagogue (Velká Synagoga), Sady Pětatřicátníků 2, 301 00 Plzeň, Czech Republic
49.7467, 13.3728
Tue-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm, closed Mondays (hours may vary seasonally)
Adult admission: ~CZK 120 (museum combined tickets vary); children/seniors reduced rates; check local box office

How to Get to Great Synagogue (Plzeň) #

From Plzeň hlavní nádraží (main train station) it is a 10-15 minute walk southwest along Klatovská třída into the city center; the synagogue sits near Sady Pětatřicátníků park. Several city trams (lines 1 and 2) stop within a few minutes’ walk.

Tips for Visiting Great Synagogue (Plzeň) #

  • Buy combined tickets that include the Jewish Museum to understand the community context
  • Climb the small upper gallery for a different view of the prayer hall ceiling
  • Visit outside Pilsner Urquell brewery tour times to avoid simultaneous crowds in the city center

Best Time to Visit Great Synagogue (Plzeň) #

Late spring through early autumn gives pleasant weather and full visitor services; midweek mornings are best for calmer visits.

Summer
June-August · 16-25°C (61-77°F)
Warm days with longer opening hours in the city; expect more tourists.
Spring/Autumn
April-May, September-October · 8-18°C (46-64°F)
Quieter than summer, good light for photographing the synagogue's exterior.

Weather & Climate near Great Synagogue (Plzeň) #

Climate

Great Synagogue (Plzeň)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (671 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 51 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustJulyJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-25°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-4°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.6h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
15.2h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
16.0h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 91 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
12° 25°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
15.6h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
14.2h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.6h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.0h daylight

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