Old Jewish Cemetery
A historic necropolis-museum with over 12,000 tombstones, showcasing centuries of Jewish history and layered burials.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Old Jewish Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic necropolis-museum with over 12,000 tombstones, showcasing centuries of Jewish history and layered burials.
"The Old Jewish Cemetery: where stones speak what words forget, a truly moving historical experience."
Stone Placement Tradition
Leave a stone on a gravestone to honor the departed. It signifies lasting memory. 🙏
Key Collection Point
Get cemetery keys from Hotel Ilan at Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin. 🔑
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.5 · 28 reviews
Type
Cemetery
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monumental Tombstones
Throughout the cemetery
Explore a diverse range of tombstone styles, from Antiquity to Art Nouveau, reflecting rich history and artistry.
Layered Burials
Throughout the cemetery
Witness the unique phenomenon of up to 12 layers of burials, a testament to centuries of history and limited space.
Ohel of Revered Rabbis
Specific sections within the cemetery
Visit the sacred ohels of prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Tzadok Hacohen and Rabbi Avraham and Leibele Eiger, sites of deep spiritual significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visiting Etiquette
Accessing the Old Jewish Cemetery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Stone Placement Tradition
Leave a stone on a gravestone to honor the departed. It signifies lasting memory. 🙏 +1
Key Collection Point
Get cemetery keys from Hotel Ilan at Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin. 🔑
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly out of respect for this sacred site. 👗
Photography Etiquette
Be mindful and respectful when taking photos, especially near ohels. 📷
Tips
from all over the internet
Stone Placement Tradition
Leave a stone on a gravestone to honor the departed. It signifies lasting memory. 🙏 +1
Key Collection Point
Get cemetery keys from Hotel Ilan at Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin. 🔑
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly out of respect for this sacred site. 👗
Photography Etiquette
Be mindful and respectful when taking photos, especially near ohels. 📷
Check Closing Times
Verify closing times as they can be earlier than advertised online. 🕐
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Old Jewish Cemetery for its profound historical significance and unique, atmospheric landscape. The layered burials and monumental tombstones are highlights, offering a powerful glimpse into centuries of Jewish life and tradition. Some find the access arrangements and locked sections a minor inconvenience, but the overall experience is deeply moving and educational.
"To access the cemetery you can get keys from the Hote Ilan (Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin). Unfortunately the cemetery was plowed over by the Nazis, so all the graves in the cemetery are postwar. There are a few memorials. Note that if you are looking to visit Rabbi Tzadok Hacohen, or Rabbi Avraham and Leibele Eiger's grave, you need to walk alongside the new outer gate from the inside until you reach the end."
Gitty Rosenberg
"By far the best, nicest, cleanest, most inspirational and salvation seeing ohel and kever I've been by in the entire eastern Europe!!! The heilege toras emes Zy"a!! R leibeleh Eiger ztzvkll"h, holiest of the holy! Son of hagoan r shlomo Eiger ztz"l and grandson of raban shel kol bnei hagolah, hagoan hakodesh mareinu r akiva eiger ztzvkll"h Zy"a. Also the toras emes had a heilege son in law r yisroel Zytman he is buried in this cemetery but because of the natzis yemach shemom his grave was destroyed unfortunately, (his popular sefer Ezras yisroel is out of print unfortunately). No words can describe the feelings in the ohel. Beautiful ohel, great job by mishpachas Sontag for undertaking the zchus to renew the ohel. Key can be obtained from chachmei lublin front desk. And also don't forget r tzadok hakohen and the shevet meyehuda-r avraham Ben r leibeleh Eiger Zy"a, so deep. Bez"h soon we'll have a heimeshe hachnosas orchim here (with a hot mikva)."
Yitzchok Zytman
"Keys can be obtained from illan Hotel Yeshivas chacmie lublin cost of 20 zl per person but only for the cemetery and not for the ohel of Reb Tzadock and Reb lieberman Eiger which is locked , or you can just hop over the short fence"
avrom lee
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Jewish Cemetery is located in the Josefov district of Prague. You can reach it by public transport (trams and metro to Staroměstská or Můstek stations) and then a short walk. Many visitors combine their visit with the Jewish Museum's other sites.
Parking in the Josefov district can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk to the cemetery.
Yes, the Old Jewish Cemetery is centrally located and within walking distance of many major Prague attractions like the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge.
Using a GPS app on your smartphone or a physical map will be helpful. Look for signs directing you to the Jewish Quarter (Josefov).
Consider purchasing a Prague public transport pass if you plan on using trams and metro frequently during your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a common fee mentioned is 10 PLN per person, with proceeds going to tzedakah (charity). Some sources mention a 20 PLN fee for cemetery access only. It's best to confirm current pricing at the point of entry or with the key provider.
Tickets and keys are typically obtained from the front desk of Hotel Ilan at Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin.
Advance booking is generally not required, but it's advisable to check the operating hours and key availability, especially if visiting during off-peak times or holidays.
Opening hours can vary, and some visitors have noted the cemetery closing midweek around 3 PM, even if online listings suggest 24/7 access. It's crucial to verify current hours.
Yes, a visit to the Old Jewish Cemetery is often part of a ticket that includes access to other significant sites within the Jewish Museum in Prague.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tradition of placing a stone on a gravestone signifies remembrance and the enduring memory of the departed, as stones are seen as lasting. +1
It's recommended to dress modestly and respectfully, out of consideration for the sacred nature of the site.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be mindful and respectful, especially when photographing ohels or during moments of reflection.
A typical visit can last from 1 to 2 hours, allowing time to explore the tombstones, understand the history, and reflect.
While not always explicitly advertised, local guides or knowledgeable individuals at the key collection point might offer insights or brief explanations.
📸 📸 Photography
The dense arrangement of tombstones, especially with atmospheric lighting, offers unique photographic opportunities. Look for interesting angles and the interplay of light and shadow.
While generally permitted, be discreet and respectful. Avoid intrusive photography, especially near areas of prayer or contemplation.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the density of the tombstones. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for atmospheric shots.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in such historical and sensitive sites to ensure preservation and respect. Always check local regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and a more evocative atmosphere, enhancing the visual appeal of the tombstones.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit