Old Jewish Cemetery - Prague

 Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Josefov (Jewish Quarter in Prague) was created in the 15th century when Jews were forbidden to bury their dead outside their own district.

This ceremonial building was used to prepare bodies for burial.

Space was scarce in the Old Jewish Cemetery, so bodies were buried on top of each other.  Historians estimate that the graves are layered up to 12 deep.  Over the centuries, lopsided tombstones have formed crowded groupings.

Crowded groupings of tombstones

This cemetery was in use from 1439 until 1787.

Dates are not apparent.  Text is in Hebrew.

It has been estimated that there are approximately 12,000 tombstones presently visible and there may be as many as 100,000 burials in all.

Loving details still survive after hundreds of years.

A testament to the durability of the Jewish community in Prague.

This tombstone might be 500 years old.

Rich history creates profound art.

Love and respect endure.

People leave stones and pieces of papers with prayers for the dead.

The lion is an important symbol in Prague.

Ceremonial house in background.

The tenacity of the Jewish community inspires awe and reverence.

This cemetery is only a small part of the Jewish Quarter.  You can visit synagogues and walk the cobblestone streets to gain more insight into this unique part of Prague.

Jeannette