Don't let the name of this synagogue mislead you: it became 'high' not because it was very tall, but because its premises were located on the second floor of the Jewish Town Hall, which was quite surprising for those times.
The High Synagogue was built in the Renaissance style in 1568. It is believed that its prayer hall was intended, for the most part, for the elite of Prague's Jewish community. The rabbinical court met here, in particular.
The money for the construction of this synagogue came from the well-known patron Mordechai Maisel, who later also became burgomaster of Prague. He also endowed the High Synagogue with all the necessary furniture and books.
Throughout its history, the building suffered several fires, as a result of which its present appearance differs from the original. During World War II, the synagogue fortunately was not looted, but for some time it served a completely different purpose - as a German warehouse. Despite all these circumstances, the High Synagogue still looks quite exquisite today.
