Prague - Old-New Synagogue Staronová synagóga

The Old-New Synagogue in Prague was built in the later part of the 13th Century. It was originally named the New Synagogue to differentiate it from another, even older Synagogue, which stood on the same location prior. The name Old-New Synagogue was created when other synagogues began to emerge in the same area, which could be considered newer.

The Old New Synagogue is the oldest standing Jewish house of worship in Europe.

It has been in use continuously since it was built with the exception of the period of Nazi occupation in the early 1940s. The building is now partially below street level, because the streets have been raised since the time it was built. Consequently the interior, even with high ceilings and old chandeliers, is quite dark. Nonetheless, the interior has remained in its current state for hundreds of years.