Private Stories of Jewish Prague Walking Tour

The Private Stories of Jewish Prague Walking Tour offers an intimate exploration of the city’s rich Jewish heritage. Led by dedicated historians, the 3-hour experience delves into the fascinating history of Prague’s Jewish community, visiting significant sites like the Old-New Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery. With a small group size, participants gain a personalized understanding of how this resilient community withstood the challenges of Nazi occupation and Communist rule. The tour promises an enriching journey through Prague’s Jewish past, leaving visitors intrigued to uncover more.

Key Points

• A private 3-hour guided walking tour of Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter, led by a dedicated historian.
• Visit significant sites like the Old-New Synagogue, Jewish Town Hall, and Old Jewish Cemetery, as well as five remaining synagogues of the Jewish Museum.
• Explore the Jewish community’s experiences during Nazi occupation and communist years with insightful commentary from the guide.
• Tour price starts from $315.00 per group, accommodating up to 10 people, with entrance fees and a dedicated historian guide included.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible due to steep staircases, but modifications are available for those with mobility issues.

Tour Overview and Details

This private 3-hour walking tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter.

Led by a dedicated historian guide, guests will visit key sites like the Old-New Synagogue, Jewish Town Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery.

The tour also includes visits to five remaining synagogues of the Jewish Museum.

Guests can choose from morning or afternoon tour times for a personalized experience.

With a 100% traveler recommendation based on 14 reviews, this tour offers an immersive look into the Jewish community’s experiences during the Nazi occupation and communist years.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour includes a dedicated historian guide to lead guests through the Jewish Quarter.

Entrance fees to the Jewish Museum and Old-New Synagogue are extra, costing 600 CZK for adults and 400 CZK for students.

The tour price starts from $315.00 per group, accommodating up to 10 people.

Food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

Travelers can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

This private walking tour offers a personalized experience to explore the rich history and significant sites of Prague’s Jewish heritage.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The default meeting point for the Jewish Prague Walking Tour is the Jewish Museum Information Center, located at Maiselova 38/15, 110 00 Josefov.

Guests should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to meet the guide. Pickup service is available upon request.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible due to some steep staircases, but modifications can be made for those with mobility issues, though some steep steps will remain. Most travelers can participate in the tour.

Confirmation for the tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Tour Highlights and Experiences

Guests on the Jewish Prague Walking Tour can explore the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe, which dates back to the mid-13th century.

They’ll learn about the Jewish community’s experiences during the Nazi occupation and communist years.

The tour also visits other key sites like the Pinkas Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue, and exhibits at the Jewish Museum.

Though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible due to steep staircases, modifications are available for those with mobility issues.

Most travelers can participate in this personalized experience with a dedicated historian guide.

Exploring the Old-New Synagogue

Though dating back to the mid-13th century, the Old-New Synagogue remains the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe.

Visitors can explore its impressive Gothic architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings and vaulted ceilings.

The synagogue is particularly known for:

1. Its unique design, with a double-nave layout and twin gables.
2. The legend of the Golem, a clay figure said to have been brought to life by a medieval rabbi to protect the Jewish community.
3. Its continued use for religious services, providing a glimpse into Prague’s rich Jewish heritage.

Experiences During Nazi Occupation and Communist Years

Prague’s Jewish Quarter bore witness to the hardship and resilience of its people during the dark years of Nazi occupation and communist rule. Jewish residents faced persecution, deportation, and even death under Nazi control. During the communist era, the quarter was neglected, with many synagogues left to decay. Despite these challenges, the Jewish community persevered, preserving their heritage and traditions.

Historical Period	Experiences	Impact
Nazi Occupation	Persecution, deportation, death	Devastating loss of life and community
Communist Rule	Neglect, synagogue decay	Decline in preservation of Jewish heritage

The walking tour offers a poignant glimpse into the triumphs and tribulations of Prague’s Jewish community, honoring their enduring spirit in the face of adversity.

Visiting Key Sites in the Jewish Quarter

During the walking tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore the key sites that make up Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter.

The tour includes visits to:

1. The Old-New Synagogue, the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe, built in the mid-13th century.
2. The Jewish Town Hall, a significant landmark that served as the administrative center for the Jewish community.
3. The Old Jewish Cemetery, a remarkable site featuring over 12,000 tombstones and layers of burials dating back to the 15th century.

Visitors can also explore the five remaining synagogues that are part of the Jewish Museum, providing a deep dive into the rich history and culture of Prague’s Jewish heritage.

Accessibility and Additional Information

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as some steep staircases are present throughout the sites.

However, the tour operator notes modifications are available for those with mobility issues, though some steep steps will remain.

Most travelers can participate in the tour, though those with significant mobility constraints may find it challenging.

Visitors will need to be able to navigate uneven terrain and steps to fully experience the tour.

The provider notes the tour is designed for accessibility as much as possible, while still allowing visitors to explore the historic Jewish Quarter sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Pictures Inside the Synagogues?

Taking photos inside the synagogues is generally not allowed. The tour guide will provide details on the photography policies for each site visited during the private walking tour of Prague’s Jewish Quarter.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in English only. The website indicates the historian guide provides a personalized experience, but there’s no mention of other language options being offered for this particular tour.

Can I Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase tour tickets on the day of the tour, subject to availability. However, it’s recommended to book in advance to secure a spot, as the tour has a high traveler recommendation.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be the best fit for young children. While modifications are available, the walking nature and presence of steep stairs make it challenging for families with small kids. The tour is better suited for older children and adults.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended upon request. Guests may inquire about expanding the 3-hour experience to accommodate their needs and interests in exploring the Jewish Quarter more thoroughly with the dedicated historian guide.

The Sum Up

The Private Stories of Jewish Prague Walking Tour offers an enriching journey through the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. Guided by a dedicated historian, participants explore the fascinating history of the Jewish community, visiting significant sites and gaining an intimate understanding of the resilience of the community through challenging periods. This personalized experience ensures an insightful exploration of Jewish heritage in Prague.