Jews came to Prague probably as early as the tenth century. They settled in what is known today as the Little Quarter. In the Middle Ages there were two distinct Jewish communities. Jews from the east, from the Byzantine Empire, had settled around the Old Shul (side of today''s Spanish Synagogue), the Jews from the west around the Old-New Synagogue.
These two settlements were later confined in an enclosed ghetto. For centuries the Jews were subjected to pogroms and persecution.At the end of 19
th century the area of the ghetto, with its slums, malodorous backstreets and alleyways of the Jewish Town were replaced with luxurious five-storey mansions. However, the Town Hall, five synagogues and Old Jewish Cemetry were saved. All these "sights" are now run by the State Jewish Museum.
The Ceremonial Hall
Deceptively old in appearance the ceremonial hall was actually built in 1906 during the redevelopment of the Jewish Quarter.
The Spanish Synagogue
This is the newest synagogue in the Jewish Quarter. It was built in 1868 and stands on the site of an 11th century synagogue which was known as ''The Old School''.
The Old-New Synagogue
This is the oldest and most important synagogue. It was known as the Old-New to distinguish it from an older synagogue which used to stand on the site of the Spanish synagogue. This picture dates from the middle ages.
The Old Jewish Cemetery
This cemetery was used for burials between 1478 and 1786. During its three centuries of use over 100 000 people were buried and there are up to 12 layers of bodies.
The Maisel Synagogue
Named after its founder Mordachai Maisel and redeveloped in a Neo Gothic style at the beginning of the 20th century, this picture shows the shapes of part of the roof.
The Pinkas Synagogue
This synagogue houses a memorial to the victims of the holocaust. Of 117 000 Czech Jews, 77 297 were victims and their names are listed on the walls of the synagogue.
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