The Maisel Synagogue was built in 1590-1592 with the personal funds of one of the richest men of that time, the head of the Jewish community, Mordechai Maisel. In addition to his intelligence, enlightenment, and status, Maisel also became famous as a generous patron, sponsoring the construction of several synagogues, the Jewish Town Hall, as well as a number of educational institutions, hospitals, and roads in the Jewish quarter.
Built by him in the Renaissance style with elements of Gothic, the Maisel Synagogue became a true masterpiece of the architecture of that time. It is said that Jews from all over Bohemia came to Prague to admire its magnificence.
Since those times, the Maisel Synagogue has repeatedly suffered in fires. It is believed that after numerous repairs, it lost almost a third (!) of its length and is now no longer as beautiful as it was in the days of its creator. The last reconstruction of this building was carried out in the 1860s. At that time, the facade of the synagogue was given a Neo-Gothic style.
Nowadays, the Maisel Synagogue is no longer used as a house of prayer, but is one of the exhibition venues of the Prague Jewish Museum.
