A Jewish institute named after the 16th-century rabbi who created the mythical Golem has opened in Prague.

According to legend, Judah Loew ben Bezalel - the Maharal - made the giant figure out of clay to protect the Jews of Prague.

Opened by Israeli Ashkenazi chief rabbi Yona Metzger, the institute is located in the city's ancient Jewish quarter and was established by the city's Chabad organisation. A series of events dedicated to the rabbi's philosophy and life have been scheduled by the Czech cultural ministry and the city's Jewish Museum, to take place next year.