The Old New Synagogue, known in Yiddish as the Altneuschul, is the oldest preserved nucleus of Prague’s former Jewish quarter and is described as the oldest active synagogue in Europe. It was built in the last third of the thirteenth century, in early Gothic style, and for more than 700 years served as the main synagogue of Prague’s Jewish community.

One physical feature leaves a lasting impression on almost every visitor: the floor lies below street level. A commonly cited explanation links this to the verse from Psalm 130:1, “Out of the depths I cry to You,” an effect made even more pronounced as street levels rose over the centuries through repeated repaving.

The name itself reflects the urban history of the ghetto. When it was built, it was known as the New Shul or Great Shul, and only later, with the construction of other synagogues in the late sixteenth century, did it become known as the Old New. Local tradition also preserves a popular etymology connecting the name to the phrase al tenai, “on condition,” associated with a legend about stones brought from the Temple in Jerusalem.

This is also where the Maharal enters the story. Maharal is the sobriquet of Rabbi Yehuda Loew ben Bezalel, a major rabbinic figure in sixteenth-century Prague; the term is a Hebrew acronym for Moreinu ha Rav Loew, “our teacher, Rabbi Loew.” Local tradition identifies the place where he sat, near the Torah Ark, as a recognizable spot within the synagogue.

The building is further surrounded by legendary narratives that the site’s own documentation records as tradition, including the association of the attic with the remains of the Golem.

Practical visiting information

As of 1 January 2024, there is no separate ticket for the synagogue; the visit is included in the Jewish Town circuit.
As a rule, the circuit operates daily except on Saturdays and Jewish holidays; on Fridays, closing takes place about one hour before the start of Shabbat.