09/07/2008 - 04:34
prague directory > Sightseeing > Spanish Synagogue

The Spanish Synagogue - Prague

Address : Vezenska 1
City : Prague - Praha 1
Website : The Spanish Synagogue
Opening hours : Open to the public
Metro/Bus : Metro: Staromestska - Tram: 17, 18

The Spanish Synagogue (Španelská Synagóga) was built in 1868 on the site of the oldest Prague Jewish house of prayer ("the Old Shul"). It was designed in a Moorish style by Vojt?ch Ignátz Ullmann. The synagogue has a regular square plan with a large dome surmounting the central space. On three sides there are galleries on metal structures, which fully open onto the nave. The remarkable interior decoration features a low stucco arabesque of stylized Islamic motifs which are also applied to the walls, doors and gallery balustrades. The interior, together with the stained glass windows, were designed by architects A. Baum and B. Munzberg and completed in 1893. František Škroup, the composer of the Czech national anthem, served as organist here in 1836-45.

By reopening the Spanish Synagogue - closed for over 20 years - on the 130th anniversary of its establishment, the Jewish Museum in Prague has completed one of its most ambitious projects to date.

The Spanish Synagogue is part of the Jewish Museum of Prague.


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