Old Jewish Cemetery, Prague

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

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague is one of Europe’s oldest and most evocative Jewish burial grounds. Nestled in the heart of the city’s Josefov district, this historic site offers a unique window into the life, culture, and resilience of Prague’s Jewish community. With origins dating back to the 15th century and a landscape shaped by centuries of tradition and adversity, the cemetery stands today as both a profound historical monument and a sacred space for reflection. This guide provides detailed visiting information, historical context, ticketing advice, and respectful visitor guidance to help you make the most of your journey through this remarkable Prague historical site (Jewish Museum in Prague; Grumpy Camel).

Introduction
Origins and Historical Development
Unique Burial Practices and Symbolism
Notable Figures and Intellectual Legacy
Endurance Through Persecution and War
Cultural and Spiritual Importance
Practical Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Visitor Etiquette and Dress Code
Accessibility and Facilities
Guided Tours and Educational Resources
Best Times to Visit
Nearby Attractions and Jewish Quarter Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Practical Travel Tips
Conclusion
References and Further Reading

Origins and Historical Development

Established in the early 15th century, the Old Jewish Cemetery became the principal burial site for Prague’s Jewish community after its predecessor, known as the “Jewish Garden,” was closed in 1478. The earliest preserved tombstone dates to 1439 and belongs to the poet Avigdor Kara (Jewish Museum in Prague; Wikipedia). The cemetery remained in use until 1787, when Emperor Joseph II’s reforms prohibited further burials within city limits for sanitary reasons (History Hit). Over more than three centuries, the site became the final resting place for thousands, including many of the Jewish community’s most notable leaders and scholars.

Unique Burial Practices and Symbolism

Space limitations within the walled ghetto and Jewish religious law prohibiting grave disturbance led to a unique solution: successive layers of soil and burials atop earlier graves. In some sections, up to twelve layers have accumulated, resulting in an estimated 100,000 burials and around 12,000 visible tombstones (Holidify; Visit Prague). The jumbled, densely packed headstones—often leaning at odd angles—create a hauntingly beautiful tableau.

Tombstones range from simple medieval markers to elaborately carved Renaissance and Baroque monuments. Common motifs include lions (representing the tribe of Judah or the name “Loew”), deer, crowns, and hands in priestly benediction (for descendants of the Kohanim), as well as pitchers (for Levites) (Visit Prague). Hebrew inscriptions record names, virtues, and the years of passing, offering moving glimpses into the community’s past.

Notable Figures and Intellectual Legacy

Among the many interred here are some of the most distinguished leaders in Prague’s Jewish history:

Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel (Maharal of Prague): A renowned 16th-century scholar associated with the legend of the Golem; his grave is a site of pilgrimage (Slow Travel News).
Mordecai Meisel: Influential businessman and philanthropist who financed much of the Jewish Quarter’s development (Wikipedia).
David Gans: Historian and astronomer, reflecting the community’s commitment to scholarship.
Rabbi David Oppenheim: Chief Rabbi and a renowned collector of Jewish manuscripts (Jewish Museum in Prague).

These individuals helped shape Jewish intellectual and communal life in Prague, and their legacies endure.

Endurance Through Persecution and War

The cemetery’s existence is a testament to Jewish endurance through centuries of adversity, from medieval pogroms to the devastation of the Holocaust. During the Nazi occupation, the cemetery was preserved—allegedly to serve as part of a “Museum of an Extinct Race”—and thus escaped the destruction inflicted upon other Jewish sites (Prague.org). Today, it stands as a poignant memorial to those who lived, struggled, and contributed to Prague’s history.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance

Jewish law regards cemeteries as sacred, never to be disturbed. Visitors often leave small stones on tombstones as a sign of respect and remembrance (Holidify). The cemetery’s location, adjacent to significant synagogues such as the Pinkas and Old-New Synagogues, reinforces its centrality to Prague’s Jewish spiritual life (Slow Travel News).

Practical Visitor Information

Location:
Široká 3, 110 00 Josefov, Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter.

Nearest Metro:
Staroměstská (Line A).

Combined Tickets:
Entry is included with the Jewish Museum in Prague ticket, granting access to the Old Jewish Cemetery, several synagogues (Pinkas, Klausen, Maisel, Spanish), and the Ceremonial Hall (Jewish Museum Prague).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

April–October: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
November–March: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Closed: Saturdays (Shabbat) and Jewish holidays
(Introducing Prague; Discover Walks)

Ticket Prices (2025):

Adults: Kč 500 (~€20.13)
Children (6–15) & students under 27: Kč 370 (~€14.90)
Under 6: Free
Prague Card holders: Free
(Introducing Prague)

Where to Buy:
Purchase tickets at any participating synagogue in Josefov or online via the Jewish Museum Prague website.

Visitor Etiquette and Dress Code

Dress Modestly: Shoulders and knees covered; men must cover heads (paper kippahs provided; women may also cover heads if they wish) (Prague.net).
Respectful Conduct: Maintain a quiet, contemplative demeanor. No running, loud conversations, eating, drinking, or smoking.
Photography: Permitted with a paid permit; avoid flash, tripods, and photographing people in prayer or during services (Living Prague).
Stay on Paths: Do not climb or lean on gravestones; avoid stepping on graves.

Accessibility and Facilities

Mobility: Terrain is uneven and pathways are narrow; wheelchair access is limited. Contact the Jewish Museum in advance for assistance (Introducing Prague).
Restrooms: Available at the Jewish Museum and nearby synagogues.
No Café On Site: Dining options are available in the surrounding Josefov district.

Guided Tours and Educational Resources

Guided tours, offered through the Jewish Museum and private operators, provide invaluable context about the cemetery’s history, symbolism, and notable burials. Audio guides and printed materials are also available (Private Prague Guide). For those unable to visit in person, virtual tours and interactive maps are accessible via the Jewish Museum website.

Best Times to Visit

The cemetery is busiest during late spring and summer, especially on Sundays. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning, late afternoon, or during winter months (January–February), bearing in mind colder weather (Rove.me). Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically less crowded.

Nearby Attractions and Jewish Quarter Highlights

The Old Jewish Cemetery is central to the Josefov district and easily combined with visits to:

Pinkas Synagogue: Holocaust memorial with the names of nearly 80,000 Czech Jewish victims (Private Prague Guide).
Old-New Synagogue: Europe’s oldest active synagogue.
Spanish Synagogue: Notable for its Moorish Revival architecture.
Jewish Museum Exhibitions: Explore Jewish life, history, and artifacts.
New Jewish Cemetery (Žižkov): Modern Jewish burial site with the grave of Franz Kafka.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Old Jewish Cemetery’s opening hours?
A: April–October: 9:00 am–6:00 pm; November–March: 9:00 am–4:30 pm; closed Saturdays/Jewish holidays.

Q: How can I purchase tickets?
A: At synagogues in Josefov or online via the Jewish Museum Prague website.

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

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages; audio guides are also on offer.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: With a paid permit; no flash or tripods.

Q: Are there restrooms and cafés?
A: Restrooms are in nearby museums/synagogues; cafés are in the Josefov district.

Practical Travel Tips

Dress appropriately and bring head covering.
Purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Allow 1–2 hours for a thorough visit, more if exploring nearby sites.
Wear comfortable shoes for uneven ground.
Bring water and weather-appropriate clothing.
Respect the site’s religious and historical significance.
Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insight.

Conclusion

The Old Jewish Cemetery is more than a historical landmark—it is a testament to Prague’s centuries-old Jewish community and a place of enduring memory, artistry, and spiritual significance. By understanding its protocols, history, and unique character, visitors can pay respectful tribute and gain a richer appreciation for Prague’s Jewish heritage. Enhance your experience with guided tours or virtual resources, and consider exploring the wider Josefov district to complete your journey.

For more travel insights and tips on Prague’s historical sites, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media. Plan your visit today and connect with a profound chapter of Prague’s story.