The Spanish Synagogue, located in the Jewish quarter of Josefov, is considered by many residents of Prague to be the most beautiful among similar places of worship. This is easily explained by its original appearance, in which several architectural styles and traditions are intertwined at once.
The building of the Spanish Synagogue was constructed in 1868 on the site where the prayer house of the Old School had previously stood. The new synagogue received its name thanks to the Spanish Jews who found refuge in it after being persecuted by the Catholic Inquisition. The facade design, executed in the Moorish style, also refers us to the Jews of northern Spain, who, in turn, borrowed these architectural traditions from the Arabs.
In 1882, architect Niklas added a huge dome to the already impressive building, which became yet another adornment of the facade.
The interior of the synagogue is also executed in the Moorish style and refers us to Granada's Alhambra. Here literally everything - from the windows and doors to the furniture - recalls the Arab-Spanish palace.
This sanctuary acquired special significance in Czech culture when an organ was installed there, which the renowned musician Frantisek Skroup played for about ten years.
