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Old Jewish Cemetery: A Silent Witness to Frankfurt's History

Explore Frankfurt's Old Jewish Cemetery: A poignant journey through centuries of Jewish history, resilience, and remembrance in the heart of the city.

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The Old Jewish Cemetery in Frankfurt, located on Battonnstraße, stands as a poignant reminder of the city's rich Jewish heritage. Established in the 13th century, it served as the final resting place for Frankfurt's Jewish community until 1828. Among those interred are prominent figures like Mayer Amschel Rothschild. Despite suffering desecration during the Nazi era, with thousands of gravestones destroyed, the cemetery remains a powerful symbol of resilience and remembrance. Today, visitors can wander through the serene grounds, observe the remaining tombstones with their unique family crests, and reflect on the lives and history of Frankfurt's Jewish community. Access is granted via the Museum Judengasse, making it an integral part of Frankfurt's historical and cultural landscape. Remember to dress respectfully and, for men, to wear a head covering.

A brief summary to Old Jewish Cemetery frankfurt am main

Local tips

  • Obtain the key from Museum Judengasse (except Saturdays, Jewish holidays, Mondays); a valid ID is required as a deposit.
  • Men should wear a head covering (kippah) inside the cemetery; these are available at the Museum Judengasse.
  • Combine your visit with the Museum Judengasse and Börneplatz Memorial for a comprehensive understanding of Jewish history in Frankfurt.
  • Consider joining a guided tour (offered on select Sundays) for in-depth insights into the cemetery's history and symbolism.
  • Note that parts of the excavations can only be reached via stairs.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Konstablerwache station (U4, U5, or Tram 11, 12), walk south on Battonnstraße for approximately 5 minutes. The cemetery entrance is located at Battonnstraße 47, adjacent to the Museum Judengasse. A single public transport ticket within Frankfurt (Zone 50) costs approximately €3.80.

  • Walking

    From the Römerberg, walk east along the Mainkai (the street running along the Main river) until you reach Battonnstraße. Turn left onto Battonnstraße; the cemetery will be on your left in a few blocks. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) to Battonnstraße 47 will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €12-€18. Note that traffic can be heavy in this area during peak hours.

  • Driving

    Limited street parking is available on Battonnstraße and surrounding areas. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €3-4 per hour. Consider using a parking app to find available spaces and compare prices. Alternatively, use paid parking garages in the city center and walk or take public transport for the last few blocks. Parking garages can cost between €14-20 per day.

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The Old Jewish Cemetery on Battonnstraße is a significant historical site in Frankfurt am Main, offering a profound glimpse into the lives and history of the city's Jewish community. As the second-oldest Jewish cemetery in Germany, its origins trace back to the 13th century, with the oldest surviving tombstone dating to 1272, marking it as one of the earliest material evidences of Jewish life in Frankfurt. For centuries, this cemetery served as the primary burial ground for Frankfurt's Jewish population, as well as for Jewish communities in the surrounding areas that lacked their own cemeteries. It remained in active use until 1828, when it was closed due to overcrowding, having accommodated nearly 7,000 graves. The cemetery's location, originally outside the city walls, was later incorporated into Frankfurt as the city expanded, underscoring its enduring presence in the urban landscape. The gravestones themselves offer a unique insight into the lives and identities of those buried there. Carved from sandstone, they feature Hebrew inscriptions that briefly describe the lives of the deceased. Notably, many gravestones also display the house signs of the families, a distinctive characteristic of the Frankfurt cemetery. These signs, often depicting animals, mythical creatures, or objects, served as family emblems and provide a tangible link to the past. Tragically, the Old Jewish Cemetery suffered extensive damage during the Nazi era. In 1942, the National Socialists demolished approximately 4,666 gravestones, intending to erase this important symbol of Jewish heritage. However, the demolition work was halted due to bombings, leaving around 2,500 tombstones preserved, along with thousands of fragments. After World War II, the cemetery was returned to the Jewish community, and efforts were made to restore and preserve the site. While the original locations of many gravestones could not be determined, they were carefully placed along the cemetery walls, with the graves of prominent figures grouped together in a place of honor. Today, the Old Jewish Cemetery stands as a powerful memorial and a testament to the resilience of the Jewish community. Visitors can walk through the tranquil grounds, observe the remaining gravestones, and reflect on the rich history and cultural heritage that is embedded within this sacred space. The cemetery is closely linked to the Museum Judengasse, which explores the history of Frankfurt's Jewish ghetto and provides valuable context for understanding the cemetery's significance. The Börneplatz Memorial Site, located nearby, further commemorates the victims of the Nazi persecution and completes this unique ensemble of remembrance. Visiting the Old Jewish Cemetery is a deeply moving experience that offers a tangible connection to the past and a profound appreciation for the enduring legacy of Frankfurt's Jewish community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical sites and promoting understanding and respect for all cultures and religions. The cemetery is not only a place of remembrance but also a place of learning and reflection, inviting visitors to engage with the complexities of history and to consider the lessons of the past. To fully appreciate the historical significance of the Old Jewish Cemetery, consider visiting the Museum Judengasse beforehand. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of Jewish life in Frankfurt, from the Middle Ages to the present day, and helps to contextualize the cemetery's role in the community's history. Allow ample time to explore both the museum and the cemetery, as each offers a unique perspective on the Jewish experience in Frankfurt. Remember to dress respectfully when visiting the cemetery, and men are asked to wear a head covering, which can be borrowed from the Museum Judengasse. Guided tours of the cemetery are available and provide valuable insights into the history, burial customs, and symbolism of the gravestones. These tours offer a deeper understanding of the individuals buried there and the community they represented. Take a moment to reflect on the lives and stories of those who rest in this hallowed ground. Consider the challenges they faced, the contributions they made, and the legacy they left behind. The Old Jewish Cemetery is more than just a historical site; it is a place of remembrance, reflection, and connection to the past.

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