Prague Jevish Quarter (Josefov)
Josefov (also Jewish quarter; Josephstadt in German) is a small area between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. Most of it can be walked around in a single day, but any detailed explorations needs time. The Jewish cemetery, Old-new Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue and the Pinkas Synagogue are definately worthwhile sights. Be prepared for entrance admission to most of the sights ranging from 200CZK or just buy 500CZK for a ticket encompassing all the sights.
Josefov is named after the emperor Josef II, whose reforms helped to ease living conditions for the Jewish, the Jewish Quarter contains the remains of Prague's former Jewish ghetto.
The history of the area dates back to the 11th Century. The Jews of this time prospered and coexisted in relative peace with their neighbours, the crusades of the 11th century however were to bring a tidal wave of sorrow. While enroute to the Holy Land, the crusaders massacred the Czech Jews and plundered their properties, those who survived were forcibly converted to Christianity. In this period, several significant changes were imposed on the remaining Jewish communities. Their synagogues were burned to the ground, their civil rights were severely limited and they were forced to build their community on the right bank of the Vltava only, thus limiting their movements and clearly identifying their minority group. This was the beginning of what later came to be known as the Jewish ghetto, an area which today is frequented by tourists.
Only 10% of the country's entire Jewish population would survive the German occupation. Most were sent to a prison camp in Terezin (60 km North West of Prague) which today stands as a memorial museum and is open to the public. As many of the Jewish died during the WWII and were forced by the communist regime to leave the country, the current Prague community numbers 5000 - 6000 people.
There are two figures synonymous with this part of the city, Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924) and the mystical humunculus Golem created by Jehuda ben Bezalel, also known as Rabi Löw.
The size of the Jewish community left in the Czech Republic and Prague today is difficult to estimate. After having been one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, they are now among the smallest. The history of the Czech Jews has been unique and tragic, leaving behind proof of their historical significance to this part of Europe. Since the collapse of Communism, the Synagogues of the old town seem to have been reawakened and new activity by the local Jewish community is growing. Several Jewish organisations have been formed, buildings renovated and kosher restaurants reopened. A sign, we hope, of the comeback of a people. Recommendation - avoid this quarter on Saturdays, because of the Sabbath on this day.
The Rudolfinum (Rudilfinum) Built between 1876 and 1884 the Rudolfinum is an outstanding example of Czech Neo-Renaissance style. It was named in honour of Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg. Between the wars it served as the seat of the Czechoslovak parliament, today it is a home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rudolfinum Gallery where temporary art exhibitions are held.
Church of the Holy Ghost (Kostel sv. Ducha) It was built in the mid-14th century as a part of a convent of Benedictine nuns. The church was destroyed in 1420 during the Husite Wars and badly damaged by the fire of 1689. The furnishings are mainly Baroque. Inside the church there is a statue of St Ann and busts of St Wenceslas and St Adalbert, in front of the church stands a stone statue of St John Nepomuk.
St Agnes's Convent (Klášter sv. Anežky) The convent was founded in 1234 by Agnes, a sister of King Wenceslas I. In the1230s it was a double monastery of the female Poor Clares and the male Minorites. There are two churches in the convent: the St Salvator Church where the tomb of St Agnes has been found, and the St Francis Church with the tomb of the King Wenceslas I.