The Pilsen Great Synagogue The Pilsen Great Synagogue, built in 1893, sits in Pilsen, where a Jewish presence has existed since the 14th century. The structure was build in a Moorish-Romanesque style and is the third largest synagogue in Europe. Not long after its construction, the Czech Republish Jewish community was nearly destroyed by the Nazis and the Great Synagogue of Pilsen was used as a storage unit for property cleared out Jewish homes. On April 10, 2022, the synagogue re-opened. The reopening consisted of a procession a Torah scroll to the inside ark, words from the Culture Minister and heads of the local, Jewish community, a concert inspired by Jewish prayer, and an opening of a permanent exhibition. A bit over an hour drive from Prague, the Pilsen Great Synagogue is a great place to learn about Jewish heritage in the Czech Republic.

Jubilee Synagogue, also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue, is location on Jerusalem Street in Prague, Czech Republic. It was built in 1906, designed by Wilhelm Stiassny and named in honor of the silver Jubilee of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. The synagogue is designed in Moorish Revival form with Art Nouveau decoration, especially in the interior. It was lately renovated and still serves religious purposes. Since Czechoslovakia became independent in 1918, it has been called the Jerusalem Synagogue as the name Jubilee Synagogue referred to the anniversary of the rule of Franz Joseph I in the defeated Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The facade and form of the synagogue are a hybridized blend of Moorish Revival and Art Nouveau, with horseshoe arches on the facade and on the interior columns supporting the women's galleries in a three-bay building. The Mudéjar red-and-white coursing of the stone facade is particularly striking. Inside, the Moorish elements are overlaid with brilliantly painted Art Nouveau patterning. After a century of being open to the public as a house of worship, except for the period of Nazi German occupation when it was used to store confiscated Jewish property, on 1 April 2008 the Jubilee Synagogue began opening its doors on a regular basis to tourists and aficionados of historic architecture.

The Spanish Synagogue was built in the late 19th century, making it one of Prague’s more recent historic synagogues. This is evidenced by its lavish appearance, which is in stark contrast to the other fairly modest synagogues in Josefov. The Spanish Synagogue boasts a well-kept, beautifully detailed facade, with a Spanish Moorish style. Even the impressive exterior is incomparable to the inner section of the synagogue, with its elaborate decorations, intricately designed ceilings, beautiful arches, stained glass windows and an ornate Holy Ark. Once used as a sacred space for prayers, the synagogue today is a museum and concert hall, which is open daily to visitors. Be sure to check the museum’s website for visiting hours as they vary depending on the season.