Old Jewish Cemetery, Žižkov
Starý židovský hřbitov na Žižkov - Nodah BiYehudah
Travel back in time by exploring one of the largest Jewish cemeteries of its kind in Europe. Prepare for a moving experience.
This isn’t your ordinary cemetery. Located in the heart of Žižkov next to the second ugliest building in the world lies one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe. The evolution of this cemetery is absolutely magical and worth visiting.
Located right in the expat-friendly neighbourhood of Žižkov, you’ll find the cemetery that has been there since what feels like the beginning of time. The oldest gravestone that gives us any proof is from 1439. So a few years before we were all born!
With over 40,000 bodies buried in this cemetery, it makes you question how on earth do so many bodies fit in such a small space? They “simply” just added 12 layers on top of each other over the years and made do with the room they had. Innovative right? Pay your respects and check out the dates on the tombstones for a glimpse into Prague’s long history.
- You’d think because this cemetery dates back to the 1400s that it’s the oldest one in Prague. Well, it’s actually the second oldest after the Jewish Garden.
- You may notice the cemetery feels elevated compared to the streets around it. The reason for it to help protect the areas where the graves go 12 layers down.
- Žižkov is a beautiful neighbourhood to explore and the cemetery is one of many famous landmarks in the area
- After visiting the cemetery you can visit the Žižkov Television Tower which is located right next to it.
Tips and Tricks
- Check out the New Jewish Cemetery while you’re in the neighbourhood.
- If you get emotional at cemeteries and religious sites, then prepare yourself. This is like nothing you have likely experienced before.
- Be respectful as you visit this site as there are still people who come to visit deceased relatives here.
Getting There
- By Car: parking available on neighbouring streets and on site.
- By Tram: 9 minute walk from Jiřího z Poděbrad. Trams 11 and 13 stop here. 9 minute walk from Perunova. Trams 10 and 16 stop here. 10 minute walk from Olšanské náměstí. Trams 5, 9, 15, 26, and more stop here.
- By Bus: 12 min close to bus stop Prokopovo namesti. Bus 207 stops here.
- By Metro: 9 minute walk from Jiřího z Poděbrad. Metro A stops here.
Open M to Su, closed F, Sa, 10:00 to 16:00. Closed on Jewish Holidays.
All seasons
Free
Open; national COVID guidelines apply
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