- Address: Maiselova 250/18, 110 00 Staré Město, Czech Republic
- Ground: 1577
- Author of the project: Pankras Roder
- Maecenas: Mordechai Meisel
Today in Europe there are not many Jewish buildings that have survived. A cult building can be considered the Jewish Town Hall in Prague . The original architecture stands out in the area of Josefov not far from other equally interesting sights of the city - the Staronovo synagogue and the Old Jewish cemetery .
History and architecture of the Jewish Town Hall
The building of the Renaissance Town Hall was built in 1577. The architect Pankras Roder worked on the project, the richest man of those times, the head of the Prague Jewish city, Mordechai Meisel, appeared as a patron of art. In 1648, the green turret was completed as a token of the privilege of King Ferdinand III for showing the bravery of the Jewish people in the battle for the Charles Bridge . After the devastating fire in the area of Josefov in 1754, the restoration of the town hall was undertaken by the architect Josef Schlesinger. He completely rebuilt the facade in the Rococo style.
Today's appearance and the southern wing of the Jewish Town Hall acquired after the reconstruction in 1908. With a view of the building, surrounded by a forged balcony, a bit like a Swedish warrior hat. The facade is beautifully decorated with the star of David and the golden ball of the turret.
The Jewish Town Hall today
The building is the center of the religious and public life of Prague Jews. Since the XVI century. The rabbinical courts and meetings of the elders of the community were held there. Today, little has changed: the town hall belongs to religious and public Jewish organizations and serves as a room for their meetings and work. What interesting things can you see here:
- Clock. The building is set several hours - traditional with arrows and Roman numerals and one more, very unusual. They are located on the side of Chervenoy street over the northern facade. These unusual watches were made in 1765 by Sebastian Landesberger. On the dial, instead of figures, the Hebrew alphabet is depicted. Hebrew read the words from right to left, because the arrows also move the other way around. Tourists like to watch the clock, whose time seems to be going back.
- Kosher dinner. Unfortunately, for free visits the Jewish Town Hall in Prague is closed. The only place that tourists can visit is Kosher Shalom Kosher, located on the ground floor. Here you can taste and appreciate traditional Jewish dishes: lamb stewed leg or stuffed fish. Everything is incredibly tasty and very satisfying.
How to get there?
The Jewish Town Hall is located in the Josefov quarter at the intersection of Mazelova and Chervenaya Streets. You can get there like this:
- metro : along line A, get off at Staroměstská station, then walk a little further;
- by bus number 194, get off at the bus stop Pařížská.