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Old Jewish Cemetery (Prague)
The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague, located in the Josefov district, is one of the most important Jewish cemeteries in Europe and was in use from 1439 to 1787. Because of the lack of space and the religious prohibition on destroying graves, burials were made in overlapping layers, up to twelve deep, which explains the dense forest of more than 12,000 visible gravestones and why the cemetery's surface stands several metres above the surrounding streets. Notable graves include those of figures such as Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel (the Maharal), associated with the legend of the Golem; the businessman Mordecai Maisel; the historian David Gans; and Rabbi David Oppenheim. The gravestones, with Hebrew inscriptions and symbols alluding to the name, profession or virtues of the deceased, trace the history of Prague's Jewish community through its burials. The cemetery is managed by the Jewish Museum in Prague and forms part of the Jewish Quarter's visitor circuit.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at Old Jewish Cemetery (Prague): 2 missions
- Visit Old Jewish Cemetery (Prague)Visit Old Jewish Cemetery (Prague) in Prague and recognise the place on the ground.
- Look at Rabbi Loew's tombLook at Rabbi Loew's tomb, the most visited according to the source.