Old Jewish Cemetery, Prague Travel Guide

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Explore Prague's Old Jewish Cemetery, a historic burial ground with layered graves and ancient tombstones in the heart of Josefov.

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Old Jewish Cemetery

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague's Josefov district is one of the oldest and most remarkable Jewish cemeteries in Europe. Established in the 15th century, the cemetery is a unique historical site with thousands of closely packed tombstones, marking the final resting place for approximately 100,000 people.

A brief summary to Old Jewish Cemetery

Široká 3, Josefov, 110 00, CZ
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Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Jewish Cemetery.

Purchase tickets in advance at one of the synagogues in Josefov to avoid long queues at the cemetery entrance.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
Photography is permitted, but remember that this is a sacred burial ground and should be treated with respect.
The cemetery is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays; check the Jewish Museum's official website for exact opening hours.

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Explore Old Jewish Cemetery on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

The Old Jewish Cemetery is located in the Josefov (Jewish Quarter), a short walk from Prague's Old Town Square. From the square, head north on Pařížská Street, then turn right onto Široká Street. The entrance to the cemetery is located at the Pinkas Synagogue. The walk is approximately 5 minutes and is free.
Public Transport

Take Metro Line A to Staroměstská station. From there, it's a short 2-minute walk to the cemetery. Alternatively, take tram lines 17 or 18 to the Právnická fakulta stop, which is also close to the cemetery. A 30-minute public transport ticket costs 30 CZK, and a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK. You can also purchase a 24-hour ticket for 120 CZK.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Prague. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Old Jewish Cemetery will typically cost between 100 CZK and 200 CZK, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.

Discover more about Old Jewish Cemetery

Nestled in the heart of Prague's Jewish Quarter, the Old Jewish Cemetery is a poignant reminder of the city's rich Jewish history and the community's enduring legacy. Founded in the first half of the 15th century, it served as the primary burial ground for the Jewish community for over three centuries. Due to space constraints within the Jewish ghetto, burials were layered, sometimes up to 12 deep, resulting in a crowded, uneven landscape of tombstones.The cemetery is home to over 12,000 visible tombstones, though it's estimated that nearly 100,000 individuals are buried here. The oldest tombstone belongs to the poet and scholar Avigdor Kara, dating back to 1439. Among the notable figures interred here are Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the renowned scholar and creator of the Golem, and Mordechai Maisel, the former mayor of the Jewish Quarter.The cemetery ceased burials in 1787 when Emperor Joseph II forbade burials within the city walls for hygienic reasons. Today, the Old Jewish Cemetery is part of the Jewish Museum and stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and cultural heritage of Prague's Jewish community. Visitors often leave wishes on pieces of paper at the tomb of Rabbi Loew, hoping for their fulfillment.