The Spanish Synagogue: Moorish Gold and Franz Kafka's Spirit

Why is it significant?

Step through the doors of the Spanish Synagogue and prepare to be blinded by beauty. Every single surface of the interior—arches, domes, and galleries—is completely covered with intricate Moorish arabesques, gilded geometric stucco, and polychrome Islamic-style tile patterns inspired directly by…

Key Facts

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Step through the doors of the Spanish Synagogue and prepare to be blinded by beauty. Every single surface of the interior—arches, domes, and galleries—is completely covered with intricate Moorish arabesques, gilded geometric stucco, and polychrome Islamic-style tile patterns inspired directly by the Alhambra Palace in Granada.

Built in eighteen sixty-eight on the site of Prague's oldest house of prayer, the Old Shul, it was named the Spanish Synagogue because of its dazzling Moorish architectural style. František Škroup, composer of the Czech national anthem, served here as organist for nearly a decade.

Step outside onto the small square between the synagogue and the Church of the Holy Spirit: here stands the surreal bronze sculpture of Franz Kafka, created by Jaroslav Róna in two thousand three. Kafka is depicted riding on the shoulders of an empty, headless suit, inspired by his dreamlike short story Description of a Struggle.

Walk east toward the Gothic towers of Celetná Street and the Powder Tower.