Prague, CZ

Old Jewish Cemetery

The Old jewish Cemetery of Prague is among the oldest Jewish Cemeteries in Europe. Around 12,000 people are buried here.

About this building

The cemetery began to be used in the 15th century after King Vladislaus II closed the Jewish Garden (the city's oldest cemetery) in 1478. It remained in use until 1786. Due to the large number of people buried in a limited space, the burials took place "in layers". In some cases remains of up to 10 layers have been found.

Many Jewish personalities are buried here, among them Rabbi Judah Loew Ben Bezalel, known as the Maharal of Prague; the businessman and mayor of Prague Mordecai Maisel; and the Renaissance scholar, historian, mathematician and astronomer, David Gans.

Key Features

  • Monuments
  • Atmosphere / quiet space
  • Links to national heritage
  • Famous people or stories

Visitors information

  • Bus stop within 100m
  • Train station within 250m
  • Parking within 250m
  • Café within 500m

Other nearby buildings

Vladimir Levin

Pinkas Synagogue

The Pinkas Synagogue is the second oldest synagogue in Prague. The synagogue is currently administered by the Jewish Museum in Prague and serves as a memorial to Jews who died during the Holocaust.

The synagogue was built in the first half of the 16th century. At the beginning of the 17th century, the building was extended to include a Renaissance extension with a vestibule, nave and gallery. In 1860, in order not to be damaged by the floods, the floor of the vestibule and the main space was raised by half a second. During the Second World War, the synagogue in Pinkas was used as a warehouse for Jewish liturgical utensils.

Flickr

Old-New Synagogue

The Old-New Synagogue, built in 1270, is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe, still used for religious ceremonies. This Gothic synagogue is also one of the best-preserved synagogues in Central Europe. It was once called the "new" because there was an old synagogue in what is now Dušní Street.

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