The Jewish cemetery (photo: CzechTourism)

Every buildling in Josefov echoes with Prague's Jewish history. Ironically, what is today called the Jewish town, received its look during the (often forceful) ghetto clearance in the late nineteenth century, when the magnificent buildings we see today were built. Jews had been confined to Josefov until 1781, and by the late 19th century the more affluent Jews had moved out, leaving behind a poor and orthodox population. The local authorities decided to “clean up” the quarter, and so the old building were demolished.

This is not to say that Jewish life ceased to exist here. With six synagogues, a Jewish town hall and Jewish cemetery, the Jewish Town still is a world of its own, one if its own particular soul. Though the Golem has become a ubiquitous tourist attraction, the area still offers much of the magic that makes Prague unique.