High Synagogue, Renaissance synagogue in Josefov Quarter, Prague, Czech Republic.
This Renaissance prayer hall occupies the upper floor of the Jewish Town Hall building and features ornate ribbed vaulting from the Gothic tradition along with expansive windows. The interior preserves these original architectural elements, creating a solemn and light-filled worship space that reflects both design periods.
Construction took place in 1568 under architect Pankratius Roder, financed by Mordechai Maisel, a prominent Jewish leader of Prague. This building period reflected growing Jewish settlement and the establishment of organized community institutions in the area.
This space historically brought together Jewish community leaders and council members for important discussions. Today visitors can sense how the room still serves as a gathering place for the local Jewish community during religious celebrations and life events.
Entry is through the adjacent Town Hall building, so allow time to navigate the entrance passage. The location in Josefov is walkable and the neighborhood is compact, making it straightforward to reach and explore surrounding sites.
What sets this space apart is its hidden entrance - there is no direct access from the street, and visitors must enter through the Town Hall building below. This unusual arrangement reflects practical constraints of medieval urban design but created a distinctive feature that defines the place.
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