Jewish Life in Prague

The Prague Ghetto, as it has been called since the 16th century, began as a colony of Jewish tradesmen who came to Prague and settled in this area permanently. In the 13th century, by order of the city administration and the church authorities, an independent district was created and named the Jewish Quarter.

In the 17th century, the Ghetto grew considerably and was a Hebrew metropolis in Central Europe. In spite of this, the Ghetto ceased to operate as an independent district in 1850 and was dissolved by the late 19th century for administrative reasons when it became District V, the so-called Josefov. The Prague Ghetto was a typical complex and certain important historical monuments still remain to this day. In the gothic period, the Ghetto was shut off from the outside world by fortified walls with gates (1230-1530). However, during the Renaissance (1530-1630), the Jewish community spread beyond the walls of the city.

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