Pinkas Synagogue

The Pinkas Synagogue is the second-oldest extant synagogue in Prague. It is believed that a synagogue was found in that location as early as 1492. The structure now housing the synagogue was built by the wealthy Aaron Meshullam Horowitz and his wife Neḥama in 1535. There are different theories as to the origin of the synagogue’s name. One is that it was named after Horowitz’s grandson, Pinkas Horowitz. Built in the late gothic style, it is believed to have been designed by the prominent German architect Benedikt Ried of Pistov. In the seventeenth century, the synagogue was expanded to include a women’s gallery and antechambers, and its circular and semi-circular windows were added. This photograph dates from a much later period, after the façade of the synagogue was refurbished.