Jewish cemetery in Dub

The Jewish cemetery in Dub lies hidden in a forest known as Na Hájku, about one kilometer south of the village of Dub in the Prachatice district of southern Bohemia, Czech Republic. Tucked away from any settlement and surrounded by trees, it's easy to walk past without noticing — yet this quiet woodland site is one of the oldest surviving traces of Jewish presence in the region.

When was the cemetery established?

The cemetery dates back to the early 18th century. Its oldest surviving tombstones come from the first half of that century, making it one of the older Jewish burial grounds in the area. The last recorded burial took place in 1940, shortly before the German occupation brought an end to organized Jewish life in the region.

What happened to the Jewish community in Dub?

The local Jewish community in Dub was formally dissolved in 1906, under a law dating from 1890. This didn't mean the cemetery was abandoned immediately, though — care of the site passed to the Jewish community in the nearby town of Volyně, which maintained it right up until the occupation began.

What does the cemetery look like today?

After decades of neglect, restoration work began in 1992 and has continued gradually ever since. These efforts have helped stabilize the site and protect it from further deterioration. The cemetery is now listed as a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic, giving it formal legal protection.

Its forest setting gives the place a distinctly contemplative atmosphere — weathered tombstones, some partly covered in moss and shaded by trees, create a mood quite different from the more exposed, urban Jewish cemeteries found elsewhere. This blend of historical significance and natural surroundings makes it a distinctive stop for anyone tracing Jewish heritage in the Šumava and Prachatice region.

Why is this site worth visiting?

The cemetery in Dub is more than a relic of a vanished community — it's a reminder of how local restoration efforts can rescue overlooked pieces of cultural heritage from being forgotten entirely. For travelers interested in the Jewish history of southern Bohemia, it offers a quieter, lesser-known counterpart to the more visited memorial sites in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the cemetery located? In the Na Hájku forest, about 1 km south of the village of Dub, in the Prachatice district.

How old is the cemetery? It was established in the early 18th century, with the oldest surviving tombstones dating from the first half of that century.

When was the last burial? In 1940.

Is the cemetery legally protected? Yes, it is registered as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, and restoration work has been ongoing since 1992.

Who cared for the cemetery after the local community was dissolved? From 1906 onward, the Jewish community of Volyně took responsibility for it, until the occupation began.