Posted by The Jewish Cemetery is one of the most visited and important sights of Prague. It is centrally located in the city centre in the former Jewish quarter Josefov Prague. Together with many other Jewish sights in the surrounding area, it belongs to the Jewish Museum Prague. All these sights (especially about 5 synagogues and the cemetery) can be visited with one ticket.
>>> Cheap combined tickets online for Jewish Quarter Prague (4 synagogues and cemetery): Click here
More than 100,000 people were probably buried at the Old Jewish Cemetery in the 15th to 18th centuries. Since the cemetery was much too small for so many people, lack of space was the biggest problem. The whole Jewish ghetto of Prague was much too small. Hardly where people lived more closely together than in Josefov. Thus the Jewish cemetery could not be extended. Today you can see how close the gravestones are to each other. Often people were buried in more than 10 layers on top of each other.
Important: Guided tours and Prague Card Jewish Quarter Josefov
Since things are quite difficult to understand, we recommend a good guide through the Jewish Josefov. You should book this in advance on the Internet (duration about 2.5 hours), as the capacities are limited. >>> Link with more information and booking
With the great Prague Card the entrance to the Jewish sights is free of charge. The Prague Card is a tourist ticket with free entry to many sights in Prague and much more. >>> On this link you can find the Prague Card and more information.
From 1787 the Jews of Prague were buried in another place, outside the Josefov quarter. However, the old cemetery is still preserved today and is visited daily by hundreds (thousands in summer) of tourists.
The most famous grave is that of the legendary Rabbi Löw (died 1609). Most of the more than 12,000 gravestones at the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague can still be seen today.
Information about entrance fees, tickets and opening hours can be found on our website about the Jewish quarter Josefov in Prague.
With the Prague Card, visiting the cemetery is free of charge for tourists.
Since many things in the Jewish quarter Josefstadt are difficult for normal people to understand, we recommend a good guided tour through the district: >>> Link to the website with more information and possibility to book.
Short film (3 min) about the old Jewish cemetery
>>> Cheap combined tickets online for Jewish Quarter Prague (4 synagogues and cemetery): Click here
Czech name: Starý židovský hřbitov v Praze-Josefově
Old Jewish Cemetery Prague Top 10
Tomb of Rabbi Löw (Jehuda Löw ben Bezalel)
Most famous gravestone: The grave of the legendary creator of the Golem is one of the most visited in the cemetery. Rabbi Löw was a famous Jewish scholar and spiritual leader of the 16th century.
Multi-layered rows of graves
Limited space: as the cemetery could not be extended, the dead were buried in up to 12 layers on top of each other. This makes the cemetery unique and impressive.
Old school style of the gravestones
Unique design: the gravestones vary from simple to elaborately designed pieces, often with religious symbols such as lions, crowns or scrolls.
Grave of Mordechai Maisel
Important benefactor: Mordechai Maisel was a wealthy community leader who, among other things, financed the construction of the Maisel Synagogue. His grave is simple but historically significant.
Grave of David Gans
Astronomer and historian: David Gans was an important scientist and student of Rabbi Löw. His grave reflects the importance of Jewish scholarship in Prague.
Mystical atmosphere
Interwoven gravestones: The dense and partly crooked gravestones, overgrown with moss and plants, create an almost magical, timeless atmosphere.
Symbolism on the gravestones
Meaning of the symbols: Many gravestones have symbols that reflect the origin, profession or religious significance of the deceased, e.g. Levite jars or hands of priestly blessing.
Connection to the Pinkas Synagogue
Entrance from the cemetery: The Old Jewish Cemetery is directly adjacent to the Pinkas Synagogue, which strengthens the connection between the memorials.
Historical significance
Center of Jewish history: The cemetery is a testimony to the long history of the Jewish community in Prague and its challenges and successes.
Preservation and memorial
Part of the Jewish Museum: The cemetery is now a protected monument and part of the Jewish Museum in Prague, which preserves and documents its significance.