Vysoká synagoga (High Synagogue)

Vysoká synagoga – a private preaching place of the Jewish councilors.
The Synagogue, which dominates Červená ulice (Red Street) was built together with Židovská radnice (Jewish Town Hall) in 1577. The construction was, just like the other monuments of the Jewish Community, financed by the rich communal leader Mordechai Maisel. The buidling standing directly opposite the Staronová synagoga (Old New Synagogue) served as a private preaching place of the Jewish councilors.

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Construction
The Renaissance construction was carried out by the noted Italian architect Pankracio Roder. The name of the synagogue was derived from its location in the first floor of the Jewish Town Hall because it reaches very high. The preaching place was especially used by the employees of the Prague´s Jewish Community. Based on some statements it was also determined for the meetings of Rabbinical Court.

Entrance and interior
Another attraction is also the synagogue entrance. The first way is through the door which is to be found directly opposite the entrance into the neighbouring Staronová (Old New) Synagogue. After you get inside you will find yourself in a corridor arched by double cross vault. That was the first room. The second room is the main hall of the synagogue where we can find wagon vault with lunettes instead of the cross vault. From this room you can go upstairs directly towards the main door of the hall. Women have it a bit harder, or higher. Another possibility, how to get inside the synagogue, is through the main Town Hall entrance and then directly upstairs to the first storey.

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Preaching place
So we are standing in the preaching place decorated by the gorgeous Renaissance vault. Do not forget to notice the unique ceiling vaults which concentre in the middle of the room and form an eight-pointed star. Again, you will find rich decorations all around, numerous lunettes and other splendid elements decorating the whole interior. A breathtaking huge gilded shield with a pair of angel wings shining like gold cannot be missed by the eye of a curious visitor. It namely creates another dominating feature of the building. There is a gallery for the womankind along the south wall.

Conclusion
The High Synagogue has been through many reconstructions and was several times reconstructed after WW2. It is interesting to know that the original appearance of the Torah case was discovered in the synagogue. Recently, the synagogue has been entirely reconstructed and at present serves its original purpose again. Yet the monument is not opened to the public. The entrance is exclusively possible in case the guide has an appropriate licence. Do call Pražská židovská obec before your visit (Prague Jewish Community) to ask for the permisssion.

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Opening Hours:
The synagogue is not opened to the public

The synagogue is not determined for the tourists, it is therefore excluded from the tourist trail through the Jewish Town (access of a guide with a group is exclusively possible only in case the guide has an appropriate licence. It is necessary to call the Prague Jewish Community in advance and ask for the permission.)

Adress:
Vysoká synagoga (High Synagogue)
Červená 5
Praha 1 – Staré Město/Josefov (Old Town/Josefov)
110 00
Phone: +420 224 800 812
Web: http://www.kehilaprag.cz

GPS: 50.089884,14.418487

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Vysoká (Radniční) synagoga (High (Town Hall) Synagogue) – it is used by the Prague Jewish Community as a preaching place.
The synagogue is integrated into the Jewish Town Hall.

Services:
(for believers not just from the Prague Jewish Community but also for the believers from abroad)
Mon – Fri, Sun: Shacharit (morning prayers) at v 8:30 am,
Mon – Thu: Mincha (afternoon prayers) at 02:00 pm.
(however it is recommended to get information on the beginnings of the services or changes in advance at the secretariate of the rabbinate)

Public Transport:
Underground/Subway – Line A, Staroměstská station
Tram 17, 18, 53 – Staroměstská

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