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1.6. Jewish Town
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The Jewish community has settled since Prague's early years. The Jewish Town of Prague is situated right in the city center.
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Jewish Town Hall - today a seat of the Jewish Community. During the period of Rudolph II, the Jewish Town prospered. Jews could practice certain kind of handicraft, open goldsmith shops, sell their goods outside the ghetto. Jewish Town Mayor Mordechai Maisel financed the restoration of the Jewish Town Hall. At that time the famous clock with Hebrew numerals and hands moving in reverse direction was placed on the tower.
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Old-New Synagogue - simple building and the oldest synagogue in Central Europe. It was built at the end of 13th century.
Old Jewish Cemetery - It was founded in the 15th century and was used until 1787. The oldest legible tombstone from 1439 marks the grave of Rabbi Avigdor Karo. A well-known Rabi Low were also buried there. The cemetery is impressive by the number of gravestones accumulated in such a small area.
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Some of other important monuments: the High Synagogue (1568), Maisel Synagogue (1590-92), Pinkas Synagogue (15th century), Klaus Synagogue (1694) - the only Early Baroque synagogue of Prague, Spanish Synagogue (1867-68), Old School, etc.
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1.7. Wenceslaus Square, On the Moat
and surroundings
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Wenceslaus Square - the shopping, cultural and social centre of the modern Prague. It is 750m long and 65m wide. In the heart of this square, there is one of the most famous Czech monuments - the bronze statue of St. Wenceslaus. Not too far from it, there is another remarkable New Renaissance-style building, "The National Museum."
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Municipal House - built from 1906-11 for the representative and social events of the city. The house is situated at the Republic Square at the Powder Gate. Opposite the gate is a House At the Hibernians, the most outstanding Empire building in Prague.
Classical Estates Theater - The theater was opened in 1783. It became renowned for the first ever performances of Mozart's operas Don Giovanni and La clemenza di Tito, conducted by the composer himself. Today, dramas and in memory of Mozart only his operas are performed here.
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The National Theater - The construction of the theater started in 1868. Foundation stones were brought from Czech historical places and one was even donated by the American Czechs. Donations from all over the nation help build the theater. However, before its opening in 1881, the theater was completely destroyed by fire. The nation again gathered together and in six weeks, one million of golden coins were donated. The solemn grand opening with a performance of Libuse opera by Bedrich Smetana took place in 1883. The theater was built in the North-Italian Renaissance style. The gorgeous interior decorations are works of the best Czech artists, such as M. Ales, V. Hynais, F. Zenisek, J. V. Myslbek, B.Schnirch, etc.
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Another important sights: Church of the Holy Rood, Carolinum,
Church of Our Lady of the Snow, Church of St. Martin, Church of
St. Ursula, etc.
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