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Ads91
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.
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kempera
Must have been spectacular at one time. Still needs quite a bit of renovation--your entry fee helps support that...Worth a visit.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.