Attraction Guide: Old Jewish Cemetery, Prague, Czech Republic

Old Jewish Cemetery Guide

A Silent Testament: Exploring Prague's Old Jewish Cemetery Guide

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague is one of the oldest and most remarkable Jewish cemeteries in Europe. A visit to this serene yet haunting site offers a profound glimpse into the rich history and enduring legacy of Prague's Jewish community. With its densely packed tombstones, weathered by time and bearing witness to centuries of stories, the cemetery is a powerful reminder of the lives lived and the challenges faced by generations of Jewish people in Prague. Established in the first half of the 15th century, the cemetery served as the primary burial ground for the Jewish community of Prague for over 300 years. Due to space constraints within the Jewish Quarter, bodies were buried in layers, one on top of the other, resulting in the unique and chaotic appearance of the cemetery. It is estimated that there are as many as 12 layers of burials in some areas, with over 100,000 bodies resting beneath the approximately 12,000 visible tombstones. Visitors can wander through the narrow pathways, admiring the intricate carvings and Hebrew inscriptions on the tombstones. Notable figures buried here include Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the legendary creator of the Golem, and Mordechai Maisel, a prominent philanthropist and leader of the Jewish community. The cemetery is part of the Jewish Museum in Prague, and a ticket grants access to several other synagogues and historical sites within the Jewish Quarter. While in the area, be sure to try Trdelník, a traditional sweet pastry, from one of the many street vendors.