Spanish Synagogue

The Spanish Synagogue isn't Spanish at all, but it's Prague's most architecturally striking synagogue, built in 1868 on the site where Prague's first Jewish community supposedly prayed. The interior explodes with intricate Islamic-inspired geometric patterns covering every surface: golden arabesques climb the walls, ornate tiles frame the windows, and the domed ceiling feels more like a Moorish palace than a Central European synagogue. You'll find exhibitions covering Jewish life in Bohemia from the 1800s to present day, plus a beautiful 19th-century organ that still gets used for concerts.

Walking inside feels like stepping into a jewelry box. The afternoon light streaming through stained glass windows illuminates the gold leaf details, making the whole space shimmer. The ground floor focuses on 19th and early 20th century Jewish life, while upstairs covers the darker Holocaust period and communist era. Unlike other Prague synagogues that feel somber, this one feels celebratory, almost festive. The acoustics are incredible, which explains why they still hold classical concerts here.

Entry costs 350 CZK for the Jewish Quarter ticket (covers multiple synagogues), but honestly, if you're only doing one synagogue, make it this one. Most people rush through in 15 minutes taking Instagram photos, but the second floor exhibition deserves time. Skip the overpriced audio guide at 50 CZK. The building's beauty overshadows some of the other Jewish Quarter sites, so don't feel guilty about spending most of your ticket value here.