Prague Old Jewish Cemetery: Wander Among Medieval Tombstones in Europe’s Most Historic Jewish Burial Ground

Photos of Old Jewish Cemetery

Tucked behind the Pinkas and Klausen Synagogues in Prague’s Josefov quarter, the Old Jewish Cemetery is a poignant labyrinth of leaning gravestones and moss-covered epitaphs. Established in the early 15th century and used until 1787, its crowded grounds reveal centuries of Jewish life, tradition, and resilience under shifting political regimes. Visitors here tread softly through narrow alleys of weathered sandstone markers, each bearing Hebrew inscriptions, symbolic carvings, and the weight of history.

What to Expect

Entering through a wrought-iron gate, you descend stone steps into a walled garden where uneven pathways guide you past rows of tombstones tilted at every angle. Look for the elaborate Baroque markers of prominent rabbis and community leaders, and the simple fieldstones of ordinary families. Small plaques explain gravestone symbols—lions for strength, hands for priestly lineage, and crowns for scholars.

The cemetery is compact—about 0.3 hectares—but layered in up to twelve strata of burials. As you wander, note the layering visible in stone walls where successive graves were built atop earlier ones. Benches offer spaces for reflection amid silent groves of saplings planted in memory of Holocaust victims whose names surround the site at Pinkas Synagogue.

Background and Cultural Context

Prague’s Jewish community began using this burial ground around 1439. With limited space in the walled ghetto, graves were repeatedly added atop older ones, creating its distinctive terraced appearance. The cemetery closed in 1787 under Emperor Joseph II’s reforms, which prohibited burials within city limits.

Despite Nazi attempts to destroy Josefov, the cemetery survived thanks to protective walls and the efforts of community members. Today it stands alongside the Jewish Museum as a testament to centuries of scholarship, culture, and the memory of lives lived under both tolerance and oppression.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (9–11 AM) bring the softest light against weathered inscriptions and the fewest visitors. Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September) offer mild temperatures and mossy greens that highlight the stones. Avoid mid-afternoon tours when groups can crowd narrow paths.

How to Get There

The cemetery is accessed via Pinkas Synagogue on U Staré školy street in Josefov. From Staroměstská metro station (Line A) or tram stop “Staroměstské náměstí” (Lines 2, 17), walk north through Old Town Square and follow signs to the Jewish Museum complex. Tickets are sold at the museum entrance and include combined access to all six sites.

Photo Opportunities

• Moss-dappled headstones and layered stone walls in soft morning light
• Close-up of a richly carved Hebrew epitaph with symbolic motifs
• Panorama of tilted tombstones framed by the brick cemetery walls
• Detail of the oldest gravestone inscription dated 1439
• Contrasting view of young saplings planted in memory against centuries-old stones

Travel Tips

• Purchase the Jewish Museum combination ticket in advance to avoid lines and include synagogue visits.
• Maintain silence and lower voices—this is a protected memorial site.
• Wear sturdy shoes—the uneven cobblestones and steps can be tricky.
• Avoid touching tombstones to preserve fragile sandstone carvings.
• Combine with visits to Pinkas and Klausen Synagogues to deepen your historical understanding.

FAQs

Is photography allowed?
Yes—non-flash, non-tripod photography is permitted, but please respect signage and avoid tripod setups in narrow alleys.

How long should I plan to stay?
Allocate at least 45–60 minutes to explore thoughtfully and absorb the inscriptions and layered history.

Are there guided tours?
Guided Jewish Museum tours include the cemetery and provide detailed historical context; check the museum schedule for times.

Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
Due to stairs and uneven paths, wheelchair access is limited; an alternative viewing platform is available outside the main gate.

Final Thoughts

The Old Jewish Cemetery is a moving chronicle etched in stone—a place where each gravestone whispers stories of faith, scholarship, and survival. As you navigate its narrow lanes, you connect with centuries of Prague’s Jewish heritage and the enduring power of memory.