Day 3
If your not too hungover from Monk’s brew, spend the day exploring Prague’s Jewish history and take in a show.
Prague’s Jewish Quarter
Prague’s Jewish Quarter is the most beautiful neighborhood in the city. You can tour several synagogues with a single tour ticket which can be purchased at the Spanish Synagogue. The two must-see synagogues are the Spanish and the Pinkas.
Spanish Synagogue
The Spanish Synagogue is incredibly elaborate. Even the walls are decorated with ornate imagery. Technically this is the newest of synagogues being built in 1867 but it’s built on the land where the oldest synagogue in Prague’s Jewish Quarter once stood.
Pinkas Synagogue
The next synagogue to visit is the Pinkas. In stark contrast to the Spanish Synagogue’s decorative walls, the walls of the Pinkas are covered in the names of the 78,000 Jewish Czech’s who were killed during the Holocaust.
Upstairs is a permanent exhibition of drawings done by some of the Czech children who were sent to concentration camps. These drawings came from secret classes taught by Jewish Painter Frederika Dicker, who believed art would help the children cope with the tragedy around them.
Outside the Synagogue, is the Old Jewish Cemetery. It is estimated that there are 12,000 people buried here although you would not be able to guess that based on how small it is. Centuries ago it was rare for a member of the Jewish Community to be able to purchase land so the cemetery could expand. The only solution was to build vertically. Layer after layer of soil was added. The grave markers moved up as well which is how the graveyard became such a dense forest of gravestones and wooden markers.
One of the most famous Jewish figures buried here is Rabbi Judah Löw ben Betzalel, who is associated with the legendary Golem and is said to be the creator. The earliest version of Golem was said to be a Frankenstein-like creature made from the clay of the Vlata River that would protect the Jewish Ghettos. It is rumored that pieces of the Golem are stored in the attic of the nearby Old-New Synagogue. The attic is off limits to the public adding more mystery to the popular legend.
Black Light Theater
If you want to experience something truly “unique”, you have to see one of Prague’s famous Black Light Theater performances. I choose my words very carefully here. I can’t say the show is good nor can I say its bad. But I can guarantee you have never seen anything like it. The performance centers around using bright geometric shapes patterns lit up and dancing around under a dark stage. The performers are all dressed in black so you don’t see them moving the shapes. There’s no rhyme, reason or plot to be found. It’s kind of like a poor man’s acid trip.
Municipal House
Your trip to Prague would not be complete without taking in a show or concert. Put on your best fancy pants and head to Prague’s celebrated concert venue, the Municipal House. Let your ears rejoice in the sweet notes produced by the Prague Symphony Chamber Orchestra. You can also take a 1 hour guided tour of the Municipal House before taking your seats.
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Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.
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