Old Jewish Cemetry

The Old Jewish Cemetery is located in Josefav, Czech Republic. It is a powerful reminder of Prague's rich Jewish history and the community's endurance during the difficult times. The cemetery has upwards of 12,000 headstones, but it is estimated that up to 100,000 people are buried beneath them! Jewish custom forbids the removal of old graves; thus, the deceased were piled on one another for decades. Space was limited, so graves were placed one over another, creating as many as 12 layers in some areas.

The Jewish Museum in Prague is currently in charge of running the cemetery. It served its purpose from the early half of the 15th century until 1786. Businessman Mordecai Meisel, historian David Gans, and rabbi David Oppenheim are the prominent local Jews buried here. Today, the visitors can pay their respects to the hundreds of people buried there. The gravestones are topped with hundreds of pebbles and prayers scrawled on tiny pieces of paper. Poems, toys, artwork created by kids during the Nazi occupation, and more can be found in the auxiliary museum. Please note that the Jewish Quarter and all Jewish institutions and attractions are closed on Saturdays (Sabbath) and Jewish holidays. Also, note that there are long-waiting queues here to view the cemetery and the waiting could go up to an hour or so.