Old Jewish Cemetery

Nestled in the heart of Prague, the Old Jewish Cemetery stands as a solemn relic of the Jewish community’s enduring legacy in the city. Established in the first half of the 15th century, with the earliest tombstone dating back to 1439 and belonging to the poet and scholar Avigdor Kara, this cemetery is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe.

It served as the main burial ground for Prague’s Jews until 1787, encapsulating over three centuries of the community’s history. The cemetery’s unique appearance, characterized by tightly packed layers of tombstones, results from the limited space that was allotted to Prague’s Jewish population for burials. With the community unable to expand the cemetery’s boundaries due to restrictive laws, they were compelled to add soil to the existing ground. This practice led to the creation of several burial layers, with estimates suggesting that the cemetery contains over 12,000 tombstones visible above ground and as many as 100,000 burials across its layers.

Among its labyrinth of tombstones, the Old Jewish Cemetery holds the remains of many prominent figures from Prague’s Jewish community, including Rabbi Low (also known as Judah Loew ben Bezalel), a revered scholar and mystic thought to be associated with the legend of the Golem of Prague, and Mordechai Maisel, a philanthropist and leader who was instrumental in the development of the Jewish Town. Their stories, along with those of countless others buried here, are woven into the fabric of Prague’s history.

Throughout its existence, the cemetery has been enveloped in tales and legends, contributing to its mystical aura. One such tale is that of the Golem, an artificial creature said to have been created by Rabbi Low to protect Prague’s Jewish community. The cemetery is also a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people, surviving periods of persecution and thriving in times of peace.

Today, the Old Jewish Cemetery is part of the Jewish Museum in Prague and serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s multicultural heritage. It stands not only as a historical site but as a symbol of the rich tapestry of Prague’s past, inviting visitors to explore the intertwining stories of hope, tragedy, and perseverance that shaped the Jewish community’s journey through the ages.