Between the 13th century and 1848 the Jews of Prague were forced to live within their own quarter, which is now known as Josefov. The quarter started to decay after the rich Jews left their former ghetto. At the end of the 19th century many old buildings were destroyed to create space for a reconstruction. Only six synagogues, the town hall and the Jewish Cemetery survived this period. During World War II the most Jews were killed by the Nazis, but the buildings were kept, because there were plans to create a "Museum of the Eradicated Race" in Prague. 1950 the buildings were placed under the control of the Czech Government, which started to operate a real Jewish Museum. Today the Jewish community of Prague has again the control over its heritage.
The Old New Synagogue was completed in 1270. It is one of Prague's first Gothic buildings and Europe's oldest active synagogue. According to the legend Rabbi Loew created the Golem at the Old New Synagogue in the 16th century.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is the largest Jewish cemetery in Europe. Renowned personalities of Prague's Jewish community were buried there including Rabbi Loew and businessman Mordecai Maisel. It was in use between the 15th century and 1786 and there are places where as many as twelve layers exist now, because the Jews do not abolish old graves and the space for the cemetery was limited.
The Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Josefov. It was built in the Moorish Revival Style.
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