Pinkas Synagogue - Holocaust Memorial, Prague

Constructed in 1535, the second-oldest synagogue in Prague has undergone numerous renovations throughout its long history, now serving as a solemn tribute to the more than 77,000 Czech Jews who perished during the Shoah, also known as the Holocaust. Between 1992 and 1996, names were painstakingly inscribed on the synagogue's interior walls, arranged by both family name and the victims' Bohemian and Moravian hometowns, transforming it into a poignant site of remembrance.

Visitors are further immersed in the harrowing history as they proceed through a hall adorned with drawings created by children who were incarcerated at the Jewish ghetto of Terezín en route to the concentration camps of Treblinka or Auschwitz. These drawings, preserved by a courageous teacher who conducted art classes during her internment at Terezín from 1942 to 1944, offer a poignant glimpse into the young residents' experiences, blending moments of happier times with expressions of profound despair. Remarkably, the teacher clandestinely safeguarded the drawings in two suitcases, ensuring their survival.

Why You Should Visit:
Among the many landmarks in the Jewish quarter, the Holocaust Memorial stands out as an exceptionally moving testament. Every inch of wall space is occupied by a carved stone list of victims, each entry bearing their name, date of birth, and date of death or transportation to the camps. This extensive epitaph, the longest of its kind in the world, serves as a sobering reminder of the countless lives lost in the Nazi concentration camps, despite representing only a fraction of the total casualties.