great synagogue

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It's a lovely building from the outside, and you can still see bullet holes on the ten commandments inside as a reminder of the annihilation of nearly 90% of Pilsen's Jews. If you're not Jewish, then it's nothing more than a quiet space, in which to spend a few moments contemplating one of the darker periods of Czech history. If you have time to spare, then it's worth having a look.

kempera

Must have been spectacular at one time. Still needs quite a bit of renovation--your entry fee helps support that...Worth a visit.

bombaymartini

We just returned from a day trip to Pilsen. One of the sites we wanted to see was the Great Synagogue. I have to say that I'm disappointed to have to say that it was only average, but that's exactly what it is.A couple of items were excellent, but the rest of the Synagogue had nothing that said you were seeing anything other than an old, large and cold feeling Synagogue.

Suet910

This is one of the largest synagogues in Europe in the classic Moorish style. It is impressive when you see it from afar walking down the street from the central square and when you get up closer to see the detail. Worth a look close to the other attractions in town

299richardj

I am kind of indecisive about this. The Synagogue itself is absolutely beautiful and fascinating, but the care and approach to it are definitely bad. Some of the interiors are full of things that dont belong there and we were outraged, that even while it is sacred ground, the staff dont behave like that. For example, the kippah, which you should wear inside such building costs 10 crowns. In Prague, they let you have it for free, as it is necessary for you to wear them inside, otherwise it would be disrespectful.

Empcom

Only saw the building from outside but it was very impressive and it makes you realise the size of the Jewish community here before World Wat Two.

swimisland

This synagogue is a gem and should not be missed if you are interested in Jewish heritage. The facade is so well restored it looks as if it is brand new. It is slowly being restored and will take a while to complete. There are no tours and little information is provided other than a brochure in your chosen language but you can imagine what it must have been like when the original community worshipped there. It also serves as a venue for concerts during the year. It is lucky to have survived through history. A highlight of our Plzen visit!

JANETDENISE

The Synagogue towers over the surrounding buildings.Well kept exterior.I would love to visit inside.Not sure whether visits are possible or when ?But just to view the 3rd largest Synagogue from outside is moving.

Lady_Jane_PI

It was wonderful to see this old building, dating back to 1893, which is being carefully restored. The synagogue accommodates 1200 seats on two levels. There was a photographic exhibit inside. After visiting Regensburg and Nuremberg, it was good to see that all Jewish history in this part of Europe hasn't been destroyed. Somehow this beautiful building survived WWII and communism. Sadly, many of the Pilsen Jews did not.

cyclecrazy

When we visited there was also an exhibition of photography by famous Czech photographer- that was really good. The actual synagogue was interesting but assumed knowledge of the Jewish faith as there was little information.

vakantiejozef

When I visited its towers were under renovation, its interior urgently needs one as well as its magnificent ceiling starts to crumble down. Dispite this a visit to this largest Synagogue in the Czech Republic (second largest in Europe and the third largest one worldwide). This project was approved and June 6, 1892, the contract was signed between the Jewish community and architect Rudolf Štech, the original construction budget was 162.138 gold pieces. Construction was completed in 1893 and was funded by voluntary contributions from members of the Jewish community, the synagogue served its purpose until the start of the Holocaust. closed during Communist regime, the last regular service was held there in 1973. After many years on 20 September 1998 (Jewish New Year) a prayer service held, since then regular services are held at the back of synagogue (also called winter prayer Hall).

538NicolaM

Very big, very nice but it's the old synagogue. Now is used only for concerts and exhibitions. It must be seen but now is a building without its soul.It's a third biggest in the world.Very good acustic.the best is the external view

Blechaluk

If you like this kind of buildings and are interested in architecture and synagogues, this is absolutely must see. One of the biggest (I thing 3rd biggest) synagogues in the whole Europe.

MarioNolli

The third biggest Synagogue in the world, just come and see.It is not open all the time. A Viennese architect called Fleischer drew up the original plans for the synagogue in Gothic style with granite buttresses and twin 65-meter towers.

JohannesH85

Synagogues are more rare now in Central Europe than it used to be. While numerous cathedrals attract believers and tourists alike, very few visit synagogues. The one in Pilsen is worth the detour. A mere hundred years old, it melts the historicism style of the time with the Jewish beliefs, making it a large open space still housing the spirit of Judaism.