Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

The Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Prague traces the history of what was once the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe.

This moving story is led by a guide who specialises in the Jewish Quarter (Josefov). The tour embraces the history, traditions and legends of the Jewish people in Prague, from their early settlements in the 10th century, through their enforced isolation, the poverty of the pogrom refugees, and the horrors of the 20th century.

Importantly, we find out about the every day life of the Jewish people through the ages; how they lived, worked and survived in the Jewish Quarter, of their successes and of their failures.

Admission to, and a guided tour of all the monuments forming the Jewish Museum in Prague is included in the trip. Our guide is certified to guide in the Jewish Museum.

The story vividly unfolds as we explore the synagogues, the cemetery and the streets of the former Jewish ghetto. Why for instance, were people buried ten deep, one on top of the other? Who was the famous “Golem”? And how, despite the terrible purges of the Nazi occupation, did the beautiful monuments in the Jewish Quarter survive?

The Jewish Quarter forms an integral part of the history of Prague. With so much of that history contained within the monuments of the Jewish Museum, a walking tour led by a professional guide is the only way to gain an understanding of its significance. It's a fascinating story, if you let us tell it.

As we tour the Jewish Quarter, we'll also discover a little of the life Franz Kafka, the famous author born and raised here.

Key Points:
-Jewish communities in Prague from the earliest records of 965, right through Medieval times and on to the present day.

- Development of the Jewish Ghetto and history of the synagogues, the Ceremonial Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery.

- Background to, and reasons for the redevelopment of the Jewish Ghetto at the turn of the 20th century.

- Changing status of Jews over the centuries and the tragedy of the Holocaust.

- Remnants of a community; Prague's Jewish people today.

- Central Europe's largest collection of Jewish ceremonial art (Judaica), including silver, glass, textiles, manuscripts and other rare and precious objects.

Prague Experience walking tours are in English and are led by professional, licensed tourist guides.

Please note: the Old-New Synagogue is the only significant Jewish Quarter building excluded from this tour, because it is not part of the Jewish Museum, therefore requires a separate ticket (adults 200czk/students 140czk). It is not essential to enter the Old-New Synagogue, as your guide will show you the outside during the tour and explain its significance. However, if you still wish to enter, tell the guide on the day and they will arrange the ticket and include it in the tour.

Please note: many Jews deported from the Jewish Quarter were sent to Terezin concentration camp. To continue the story therefore, you may also find it of interest to book our Terezin Memorial Tour.