Maisel Synagogue
Synagogue Historic synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter with ornate interior
The Maisel Synagogue in Prague’s Jewish Quarter dates to the 16th century and forms part of the Jewish Museum, exhibiting Judaica and the history of Bohemian and Moravian Jews.
Maisel Synagogue is a historic synagogue in Prague’s Jewish Quarter (Josefov) originally constructed in the late 16th century with funding from the community leader Mordechai Maisel. The building today is part of the Jewish Museum in Prague.
Exhibitions inside present artifacts and displays on Jewish history in Bohemia and Moravia, using the restored synagogue interior as an interpretive space rather than an active congregational building. Architectural details and later restorations reflect several periods of rebuilding.
The synagogue was originally built in the late 1500s and later rebuilt and altered in subsequent centuries, including 19th- and 20th-century interventions; after wartime damage and 20th-century restorations it became part of the city’s Jewish Museum complex.
The synagogue stands in Josefov, Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter, close to other sites administered by the Jewish Museum such as the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Spanish Synagogue.
- Origins: Built in the late 16th century through funding by the wealthy Prague Jewish benefactor Mordechai Maisel, the synagogue has been rebuilt and restored several times.
- Current use: Today it forms part of the Jewish Museum in Prague and houses exhibitions relating to the history of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia.
How to Get to Maisel Synagogue #
The Maisel Synagogue is in Prague’s Jewish Quarter (Josefov) on Maiselova street, a short walk from Old Town Square. Take Prague Metro line A to Staroměstská station and walk about 5 minutes into the Josefov area, or use the nearby tram stops serving Staroměstská/Old Town. Driving in the historic centre is restricted and parking is limited; the site is most easily reached on foot or by public transit.
Tips for Visiting Maisel Synagogue #
- Buy the Jewish Museum in Prague combined ticket to visit Maisel Synagogue along with the other Josefov sites (Pinkas, Old-New, Spanish synagogues and the cemetery) rather than purchasing separate entries; this saves time and ensures full access.
- Visit in the morning on weekdays to avoid large cruise-ship and tour-operator groups that concentrate in the Jewish Quarter later in the day, and check opening hours around Jewish holidays when sites may close or have altered schedules.
Best Time to Visit Maisel Synagogue #
Visit the synagogue on weekday mornings in spring or fall to avoid the busiest tourist periods.
Weather & Climate near Maisel Synagogue #
Maisel Synagogue's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (503 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. The driest month with just 21 mm and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
.jpg?width=600)
