The Deep History of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague

The cemetery was founded in the early 15th century. The oldest tombstone dates back to 1439. For over 300 years, the community had very limited space for burials. Because they could not expand outward, they added layers of earth. This created a unique landscape where graves are stacked up to twelve layers deep.

This layering explains why the ground is uneven and the stones are so close together. There are about 12,000 visible tombstones today. However, historians believe more than 100,000 people are buried here. The site is now protected as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a silent testimony to the generations of Jews who lived in Prague.

Walking through the gates feels like stepping back in time. The stones feature symbols that tell stories about the deceased. You might see lions, grapes, or hands representing different families and professions. Understanding the history of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague requires looking closely at these details. It is a place of memory and profound respect.

10 Must-See Sites in the Prague Jewish Quarter

To fully appreciate the area, you should visit several key locations. Most sites are managed by the Jewish Museum in Prague. You can find information on Jewish Museum in Prague entrance fees and tickets online. Here are the top ten highlights for your itinerary.

• Name: Tomb of Rabbi Loew Type: Iconic sight Why go: He was a famous scholar and legendary creator of the Golem. Best for: History buffs. Where: Inside the Old Jewish Cemetery. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in cemetery ticket. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro. Tip: Look for small stones left by visitors on the tomb.
• Name: Pinkas Synagogue Type: Memorial Why go: It serves as a moving memorial to Holocaust victims. Best for: Reflection. Where: Entrance to the cemetery. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Part of the museum circuit. Getting there: Short walk from the Vltava river. Tip: View the children's drawings from the Terezín Ghetto upstairs.
• Name: Old-New Synagogue Type: Unique local experience Why go: This is Europe's oldest active synagogue, built in the 13th century. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Červená street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Separate or combined ticket. Getting there: Center of Josefov. Tip: Compare this style with the Spanish Synagogue vs Old-New Synagogue architecture during your walk.
• Name: Klausen Synagogue Type: Museum Why go: It hosts a large exhibit on Jewish customs and traditions. Best for: Cultural learning. Where: Next to the cemetery exit. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Museum ticket. Getting there: Near the Ceremonial Hall. Tip: Great for seeing historical manuscripts.
• Name: Ceremonial Hall Type: Architecture Why go: This neo-Romanesque building was once used by the Burial Society. Best for: Photography. Where: U Starého hřbitova. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Museum ticket. Getting there: Adjacent to the Klausen Synagogue. Tip: Look at the intricate stone carvings on the exterior.
• Name: Spanish Synagogue Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is famous for its stunning Moorish interior and gold leaf. Best for: Visual beauty. Where: Vězeňská street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Museum ticket. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the cemetery. Tip: Check for evening classical music concerts here.
• Name: Maisel Synagogue Type: History Why go: It tells the story of Jews in Bohemia from the 10th century. Best for: Educational context. Where: Maiselova street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Museum ticket. Getting there: Near the Old Town Square. Tip: Use the interactive touchscreens for more depth.
• Name: Jewish Town Hall Type: Viewpoint Why go: It features a famous clock with Hebrew numbers that runs backward. Best for: Quick photo stop. Where: Maiselova street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Opposite the Old-New Synagogue. Tip: Look up to see the two different clock faces.
• Name: Robert Guttmann Gallery Type: Art/Indoor Why go: This gallery displays works by Jewish artists from the 20th century. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: U Staré školy. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Museum ticket. Getting there: Behind the Spanish Synagogue. Tip: It is often quieter than the main synagogues.
• Name: Jerusalem Synagogue Type: Day trip feel Why go: It is a colorful Art Nouveau building located just outside the main quarter. Best for: Unique colors. Where: Jeruzalémská street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: 15-minute walk from Old Town. Tip: Visit on a sunny day to see the stained glass glow.

Essential Tips for Visiting the Jewish Quarter

Planning your visit to these cultural attractions in Prague requires some preparation. The Jewish Museum sites are closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Always check the official Prague official site for updated holiday closures. Most visitors find that a morning visit is best to avoid large tour groups.

Respectful attire is required at all religious sites. Men should wear a head covering when entering synagogues or the cemetery. If you do not have one, paper kippahs are often provided at the entrance. Keep your voice low while walking through the cemetery grounds. This is still considered a sacred place of rest.

You can buy a combined ticket that covers most of the major sites. This is much cheaper than buying individual tickets for each building. Allow at least three to four hours to see everything without rushing. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the cobblestones in Josefov can be uneven. These tips will help you enjoy the history of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague.