Old Jewish Cemetery Prague
A hauntingly beautiful testament to history, this cemetery features 12,000 tombstones over 12 layers of burials.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Old Jewish Cemetery Prague
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hauntingly beautiful testament to history, this cemetery features 12,000 tombstones over 12 layers of burials.
"The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague is a place that truly gives you goosebumps, a unique and unforgettable historical site. "
🎟️ Combined Ticket Needed
Purchase a combined ticket for entry to the cemetery and other Jewish Museum sites.
🚶♀️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly and behave respectfully. Yarmulkes may be required for entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dense Gravestones
Main Cemetery Area
Witness thousands of tightly packed tombstones, a testament to centuries of burials in limited space.
Layered Burials
Throughout the Cemetery
Marvel at the unique phenomenon of up to 12 layers of graves stacked due to space constraints.
Rabbi Judah Loew's Tomb
Prominent Grave
Pay respects at the tomb of the renowned Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, a revered figure.
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration is Key
Tickets & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combined Ticket Needed
Purchase a combined ticket for entry to the cemetery and other Jewish Museum sites.
🚶♀️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly and behave respectfully. Yarmulkes may be required for entry. +1
📸 Photo Etiquette
Consider refraining from taking photos out of respect for the sacred site.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully absorb the history and atmosphere.
Advice on touring the Jewish Quarter
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combined Ticket Needed
Purchase a combined ticket for entry to the cemetery and other Jewish Museum sites.
🚶♀️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly and behave respectfully. Yarmulkes may be required for entry. +1
📸 Photo Etiquette
Consider refraining from taking photos out of respect for the sacred site.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully absorb the history and atmosphere.
💎 Nearby Treats
Try the chimney cake and kosher mulled wine from the spot just outside!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Old Jewish Cemetery's unique and dense arrangement of tombstones, a powerful testament to centuries of history and limited space. The layered burials are a standout feature, offering a profound glimpse into the past. While the site is deeply moving, some find the crowds can detract from the solemn atmosphere, and photography etiquette is a point of consideration for many. +1
"We visited the Jewish Cemetery independent of a guide as part of our self-guided tour of the Jewish Quarter in Prague. While we preferred the freedom of not having a guide, we were a little sad we didn't have one, as we wanted to learn more during our visit to the cemetery. The Cemetery is beautiful and moving, and a must-see site. However, there is no brochure or signs or anything to help give history of context as you are moving through. So either bring a guide or bring a guidebook, if that matters to you. That being said - a very worthy and beautiful place to visit. So quiet and serene (except the occasional less-than-respectful tour group). Note: entrance is included as part of the "Jewish Museum" ticket - you cannot pay to enter just this site. It is 500 czk for entrance to all the sites."
Alyssa Becker
"Beautiful, park like cemetery with old graves, beautiful statues, mausoleums right in the middle of the city. You won't even notice that a busy city life is going on right outside the walls of the cemetery. The cemetery is easy to reach by subway (red line), bus and tram. All of these stop at the flora shopping center and this is only a 2 minute walk away."
Christian Schuh
"Well preserved cemetery with hundreds of tombstones surrounded by relatively modern buildings. You get to go around the Graves and if you familiar with the language you will be able to read some of the words written on the Graves.
Although this is not the cheapest site seeing in Prague, this consider to be one of the "must see" when you visit Prague, and especially if you're in the Old Town."
ran yedidya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Jewish Cemetery is located in the Josefov (Jewish Quarter) of Prague. It's easily accessible by public transport, with trams and metro stations nearby. Walking from other parts of the Old Town is also a popular option.
Yes, the cemetery is centrally located within the Jewish Quarter and is a short walk from other synagogues and the Old Town Square.
Many visitors start at the Jewish Museum to purchase combined tickets and then explore the synagogues and the cemetery. A guided tour can also provide historical context. +1
Driving directly to the cemetery is not recommended due to pedestrian zones and limited parking in the historic Jewish Quarter. Public transport or walking is advised.
Parking in the immediate vicinity is very limited. It's best to use public parking garages located a short walk away from the Jewish Quarter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a ticket is required to enter the Old Jewish Cemetery. It is typically part of a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum in Prague, which includes several synagogues and the cemetery.
Tickets can be purchased at the Jewish Museum's information center or ticket offices located within the Jewish Quarter. It's advisable to buy them early to avoid queues.
Ticket prices vary, but a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum sites, including the cemetery, is generally around 500 CZK. Check the official Jewish Museum website for current pricing.
Opening hours vary seasonally and can be affected by Jewish holidays. Typically, it opens around 9 AM and closes between 4:30 PM and 6 PM. Always check the official Jewish Museum website for the most up-to-date information.
Generally, there is no free entry to the Old Jewish Cemetery. A ticket is required as it's part of the Jewish Museum complex.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's one of the oldest surviving Jewish cemeteries in the world, dating back to the 15th century. Its unique layered burials are a result of extreme space limitations over centuries.
Due to strict religious laws prohibiting expansion, bodies were buried in multiple layers, with new earth added on top. This resulted in an incredibly dense arrangement of tombstones.
Visitors are expected to be respectful and quiet. Leaving stones on graves is a traditional Jewish custom of remembrance. Loud behavior or treating it like a picnic ground is inappropriate. +1
While photography is often permitted, some visitors choose not to take pictures out of respect for the sacred nature of the site. Be mindful of others and avoid intrusive photography.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the cemetery and absorbing its unique atmosphere. It's part of a larger Jewish Quarter experience that can take several hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The most striking visuals are the densely packed gravestones and the layered effect. Look for unique angles that capture the sheer volume and age of the tombstones.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be discreet and respectful. Some visitors opt out of taking photos to honor the solemnity of the place.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful, especially on overcast days. A wide-angle lens can help capture the density of the tombstones.
Drone photography is strictly prohibited in most historic city centers, including Prague's Jewish Quarter, for safety and privacy reasons.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light that can enhance the atmosphere. However, mornings can be less crowded for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum, as some of the synagogues might offer more interactive elements or stories that can engage younger visitors. The sheer visual impact of the cemetery itself can be a powerful learning tool about historical challenges and community resilience.
🚶♂️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs
Allow yourself ample time to wander, read inscriptions (if you can decipher them), and contemplate the lives of those interred. The cemetery's unique atmosphere, especially when visited during quieter hours, can be profoundly moving.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Layered Burials
This unique practice created a landscape unlike any other, with tombstones leaning at odd angles and packed so tightly they appear to be a single, undulating mass. The visible gravestones, many dating back centuries, are a testament to the enduring presence and history of Prague's Jewish community. The cemetery's preservation, even through challenging historical periods, makes it a profoundly significant site for understanding Jewish heritage in Europe.
Navigating the Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
When exploring Josefov, it's important to be mindful of the area's solemn history. While it's a popular tourist destination, remember that it is also a place of remembrance and religious significance. Many visitors recommend dedicating at least half a day to fully appreciate the historical depth of the Jewish Quarter, including its synagogues, museums, and the poignant Old Jewish Cemetery.
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