The Golem´s story
At the turn of the 16th century, during the reign of Rudolf II, the famous Rabbi Löw was Chief Rabbi in Prague. At that time, the Jewish population had to deal with oppression and pogroms. Rabbi Löw realised that he was unable to prevent the attacks on his people alone and he needed to find something to help him. Once in his dreams, he saw the message: "CREATE A BEING FROM CLAY AND IT WILL COME TO LIFE AND HELP YOU AGAINST YOUR ENEMIES". And so, with his two best pupils, he went secretly to the banks of the Vltava at dawn where they formed a figure three yards tall and made it come to life with the help of the four elements, air, earth, water and fire. The Golem had come to life with the help of a piece of parchment, a Shem, which had been placed in a hole in the middle of his forehead. As well as helping protect the oppressed Jews, the Golem also had normal household tasks as part of his duties. The Golem always obeyed the person who put the Shem into his forehead.
One day, the Rabbi had put the Shem into the Golem’s forehead and given him his tasks, just as on any other day. He then went to take the sermon in the synagogue. During this time, the Golem became enraged and started destroying everything he came across and couldn’t be stopped.
The Rabbi had to be called upon from his sermon, the Golem was stopped and Rabbi Löw removed the Shem. The Rabbi decided that from that moment on, the Golem must sleep forever in the grounds of the synagogue, where the Golem remains to this day, though where the Shem is hidden, no-one knows.
The building is of interesting historical origin, decorated with pictures from the reign of Rudolf II.
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Next photo – More photos :
First picture: Rudolf II and Kateřina Stradová drink to the success of this picture gallery
picture: Emperor Rudolf II journeys to his weekend residence in Brandýs, year 1586
picture: Histoical view of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle (year 1610), Belveder
picture: Banquet in the Vladislav Hall in Prague Castle
picture: Rudolf II bestows titles on his favourite chefs (at this time, cooks could even become members of the nobility).
picture: The creation of the Golem
picture: Rabí Löw introduces the Golem to Emporer Rudolf II at Charles Bridge
picture: Golem – protector of the Old-New Synagogue
picture: His Majesty sits as a model for the famous Italian painter Guiseppe Arcimboldo
picture: His Majesty Rudolf II’s Alchemy Laboratory, view over the Golden Lane from the window
picture: Rudolf II with his favourite artist, Bartlomeo Spranger
picture: Rudolf II with Kateřina Stradová strolling in his favourite garden, Belveder with the singing fountain in the background
picture: The Golem in love, with Rachel, Belveder with the singing fountain in the background
3) picture: Period banquet* The Bakchuse wine harvest. *
View of wine cellar* * Rudolf II. Habsburg Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia (* 18. 7. 1552 Vienna, + 20. 1. 1612 Prague) – Czech and Hungarian King and Holy Roman Emperor from the Habsburg Dynasty was a sovereign who supported art, astrology and the accult arts. He built up a valuable collection of pictures and statues.
* All-year round individual offer for fair participants
PVA Letńany: 6 minutes by car
INCHEBA Holešovice: 8 minutes by car
Standard prices*
Half-board supplement: 240 CZK / three-course meal, Christmas menu: 800 CZK, New Year’s Eve supplement: 1600 CZK.
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accommodation price with breakfast |
Accommodation price without breakfast |
Photo gallery. The Rudolf II Gallery painted in 2001-2003 by renowned painter, Mr. Milan Víšek
