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Old Jewish Cemetery: A Silent Testament to Prague's Jewish History

Explore Prague's Old Jewish Cemetery: a unique historical site with layered graves, ancient tombstones, and the stories of prominent Jewish figures.

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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, it served as the primary burial ground for the Jewish community for over 300 years. Due to space constraints, thousands of tombstones are packed together, with burials layered up to 12 deep, creating a unique and poignant historical landscape.

A brief summary to Old Jewish Cemetery

  • 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

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance online or at one of the synagogues in Josefov to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • The cemetery is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays; plan your visit accordingly.
  • Photography is permitted, but remember that this is a sacred burial ground, so be respectful.
  • Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the cemetery's unique atmosphere and history.
  • Combine your visit with other Jewish Quarter sites like the Pinkas Synagogue to learn more about Jewish history in Prague.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Prague's Old Town Square, walk northeast along Pařížská Street. This street will lead you directly into the Jewish Quarter (Josefov). The cemetery entrance is located at Široká 3, near the Pinkas Synagogue. The walk is approximately 5 minutes and is easily navigable.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metro Line A (Green Line) to Staroměstská station. From the station, it's approximately a 5-10 minute walk to the Old Jewish Cemetery. Alternatively, take tram lines 17 or 18 to the Právnická fakulta stop, which is also a short walk from the cemetery. A single 30-minute public transport ticket costs 30 CZK, while a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Prague. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Old Jewish Cemetery will typically cost between 230-290 CZK. Be sure the driver resets the taximeter before starting the journey.

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Discover more about Old Jewish Cemetery

The Old Jewish Cemetery, located in the heart of Prague's Jewish Quarter (Josefov), stands as a powerful reminder of the city's long and complex Jewish history. Founded in the first half of the 15th century, it served the Jewish community until 1787. Overcrowding became a significant issue, as Jewish law forbade disturbing existing graves, leading to the layering of burials, with some spots reaching up to 12 layers deep. This resulted in the characteristic dense and uneven terrain visible today. The cemetery is home to approximately 12,000 visible tombstones, though it's estimated that over 100,000 people are buried here. The tombstones themselves are a fascinating mix of styles, reflecting Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Many are decorated with symbols representing the deceased's name, profession, or personal attributes. Among those interred here are some of the most important figures in Prague's Jewish history. These include Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel (the Maharal), a renowned scholar and mystic associated with the legend of the Golem , Mordecai Maisel, a wealthy philanthropist and benefactor of the Jewish community , and David Gans, a historian and astronomer. Visitors often leave notes with wishes at the tomb of Rabbi Loew, believing he can help them come true. Visiting the Old Jewish Cemetery offers a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience. It provides a tangible connection to the lives and struggles of Prague's Jewish community over the centuries. The cemetery is part of the Jewish Museum in Prague, and admission includes entry to several synagogues and the Ceremonial Hall.

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