Built in the late 13th century by stone-masons from the royal workshop (who were also working on the nearby Convent of St. Agnes), it is testimony to the important status of the then Jewish community of Prague. Originally called the New or Great Synagogue, it was not until the establishment of other synagogues in the late 16th century that it came to be known as the Old-New. Legend has it that its foundation stones were brought by angels from the destroyed Temple of Jerusalem.
The Old-New Synagogue has enjoyed tremendous respect in Prague’s Jewish Town and in Jewish communities abroad. It has also become enveloped in numerous legends and tales. According to one legend, the synagogue was protected against fire in the ghetto by the wings of angels transformed into doves, which is why it has remained miraculously intact to this day. Another legend has it that the attic of the synagogue is home to the remains of the Golem, the artificial creature made of clay that was animated by the Rabbi Loew in order to protect the Prague community.
