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Old-New Synagogue

Sacred Buildings: The Old-New Synagogue in Josefov, Prague

The Old-New Synagogue ("Altneuschul") in Josefov, the Jewish quarter of Prague, is the oldest synagogue in Europe that is still in used as a place of worship.
Oldest synagogue in Europe still used as a place of worship

Old-New Synagogue (Altneuschul) in Josefov, the old Jewish quarter of Prague

Photo © flickr member Luisvilla
The Old-New Synagogue is also called Altneuschul, which means "old-new-school" in German. In 1275, the building was a New Synagogue. It came to be called Old-New in the 1500s, after more synagogues were built.

During the Medieval era, builders were Christian, and they used the same Gothic details found in Christian churches and cathedrals. Like Gothic churches, Old-New Synagogue has octagonal pillars and vaulted ceilings.

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