Old Jewish Cemetery

Old Jewish Cemetery Prague: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague, situated in the heart of the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), is one of Europe’s oldest and most evocative Jewish burial grounds. Established in the early 15th century, with the earliest remaining tombstone dating to 1439, the cemetery is a moving testament to centuries of Jewish faith, culture, and perseverance. Over approximately 350 years of active use, its space constraints and adherence to Jewish burial laws resulted in up to twelve layers of graves, with about 12,000 visible tombstones marking an estimated 100,000 burials (History Tools; Prague Tourist Information; History Hit).

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the cemetery’s history, artistic symbolism, notable burials, and essential visitor information—including operating hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions. Whether you are a history enthusiast, cultural traveler, or planning your Prague itinerary, the Old Jewish Cemetery is a must-see among Prague’s historical sites.

Old Jewish Cemetery in Žižkov neighborhood of Prague under the TV tower

Old Jewish Cemetery in Žižkov, Prague with historic tombstones

Old Jewish Cemetery in Žižkov, Prague with historical tombstones and tree

Old Jewish Cemetery in Žižkov Prague with historic tombstones and trees

Old Jewish Cemetery in Žižkov, Prague under the TV tower

Old Jewish Cemetery in Žižkov Prague with historical tombstones under the TV Tower

Old Jewish Cemetery in Žižkov, Prague with historic tombstones under the TV tower

Origins and Establishment
Spatial Constraints and Layered Burials
Tombstone Art and Symbolism
Notable Burials
Historical Challenges and Preservation
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Visitor Tips and Customs
Nearby Attractions in the Jewish Quarter
FAQs
Conclusion
References and Further Reading

Origins and Establishment

The Old Jewish Cemetery was founded in the first half of the 15th century, replacing an earlier burial ground outside the city walls as the Jewish community was confined to the ghetto of Josefov (Prague Here). The oldest surviving tombstone is that of Avigdor Kara, a rabbi and poet who died in 1439. The cemetery served as the primary burial site for Prague’s Jews until 1787, when Emperor Joseph II’s sanitary reforms prohibited burials within city limits (History Hit).

Spatial Constraints and Layered Burials

With expansion forbidden and Jewish law prohibiting the disturbance of graves, the community layered new soil atop existing burials—sometimes up to 12 layers deep—to accommodate the deceased. This practice has raised the cemetery several meters above street level and resulted in a dense, striking landscape of tombstones (History Tools; Prague Here). Approximately 100,000 individuals are buried here, with about 12,000 tombstones visible today.

Tombstone Art and Symbolism

The gravestones reflect evolving artistic and religious traditions. Early stones are plain; later ones feature intricate carvings, Hebrew inscriptions, and symbolic motifs that convey the deceased’s family, profession, or virtues (History Hit).

Common motifs include:

Lions: Symbolize the tribe of Judah or the name “Judah.”
Hands in blessing: Indicate a descendant of the priestly Kohanim.
Pitchers: Represent Levites, charged with ritual handwashing.
Grapes, deer, birds: Reference family names or virtues.

Around 60% of tombstones bear symbolic decoration, offering a visual language into the lives and values of Prague’s Jewish community (History Tools).

Notable Burials

The cemetery is the final resting place for significant figures who shaped Prague’s Jewish and intellectual life:

Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel (Maharal of Prague, d. 1609): Philosopher and mystic, renowned in folklore for the legend of the Golem (YouLovePrague).
Mordechai Maisel (d. 1601): Philanthropist and mayor, sponsor of synagogues and public works (ViewFromPrague).
David Gans (d. 1613): Historian, mathematician, astronomer.
Avigdor Kara (d. 1439): The earliest documented burial (Prague.org).
Joseph Solomon Delmedigo (d. 1655): Scholar and polymath (Rove.me).
Rabbi David Oppenheim (d. 1736): Chief rabbi and manuscript collector.

Other notable families and scholars, such as the Horowitz dynasty and Ephraim Solomon Luntschitz, are also interred here.

Historical Challenges and Preservation

The cemetery has survived centuries of adversity, including pogroms, ghettoization, Nazi occupation, and Communist rule. In the 20th century, much of Josefov was modernized, but the cemetery and several synagogues were preserved as part of the Jewish Museum, which now manages the site (Prague Tourist Information).

During World War II, the Nazis used the Jewish Museum to store artifacts from destroyed Jewish communities, inadvertently helping preserve the cemetery. Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it continues to be a place of remembrance and learning.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours

April–October: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
November–March: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed: Saturdays (Shabbat) and Jewish holidays

Always confirm current hours on the official Jewish Museum website, as they may vary during holidays or special events.

Tickets and Admission

Combined ticket (includes cemetery and major synagogues): 600 CZK (standard adult)
Discounted tickets: 250–420 CZK (students, children, seniors, pass holders)
Children under 6: Free
Old-New Synagogue: Separate ticket required (200 CZK), or available as part of a combination ticket

Tickets can be purchased online (Jewish Museum Prague) or at key synagogues and information centers in the Jewish Quarter. Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons.

Accessibility

Due to uneven, narrow paths and historic terrain, wheelchair and mobility access is limited. Contact the Jewish Museum in advance for guidance and assistance (Jewish Museum Prague).

Visitor Tips and Customs

Dress code: Modest attire required; men must wear a kippah (skullcap), provided at the entrance.
Conduct: Maintain silence, do not climb or touch tombstones, and refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking.
Photography: Permitted for personal use (no flash or tripods); professional photography requires written permission.
Customs: Placing small stones on graves, especially that of the Maharal, is a traditional sign of respect.
Facilities: No restrooms on site; nearby facilities in the Jewish Quarter.
Duration: Allow 30–90 minutes for your visit. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for a quieter experience.
Language: Exhibits are in Czech and English; audio guides and tours are available in multiple languages.

Nearby Attractions in the Jewish Quarter

The Old Jewish Cemetery is part of a rich cultural circuit, including:

Pinkas Synagogue: Holocaust memorial and children’s artwork from Terezín.
Maisel, Klausen, and Spanish Synagogues: Each with unique history and architecture.
Jewish Town Hall: Noted for its astronomical clock.

These sites offer a comprehensive insight into the Jewish heritage of Prague (praguego.com).

FAQs

Q: What are the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague visiting hours?
A: April–October: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; November–March: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Standard adult combined tickets are 600 CZK; discounts apply for students, children, and pass holders.

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility is limited due to uneven ground; contact the museum for assistance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through the Jewish Museum and local operators, in multiple languages.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Yes, for personal use without flash or tripods; professional photography needs permission.

Conclusion

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague is more than a burial ground—it’s a living monument to the endurance, faith, and cultural legacy of Prague’s Jewish community. Its layered graves, symbolic artistry, and notable burials offer visitors a deeply moving experience and a profound connection to the city’s history. To maximize your visit, plan ahead, consider a guided tour, and explore the entire Jewish Quarter for a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable heritage.

For the latest updates, tickets, and tours, visit the Jewish Museum Prague website, and consider downloading the Audiala app for guided audio tours and interactive content. Follow us on social media for news on exhibitions and special events.