Jewish cemetery in Hlinsko

The Jewish cemetery in Hlinsko sits on the western edge of town, alongside the road leading from Hlinsko to Trhová Kamenice, within the municipality of Vítanov in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. This small, well-preserved burial ground remains a quiet trace of the Jewish community that once lived in the Hlinsko region.

When was the cemetery established?

The cemetery dates back to 1904, making it relatively young compared to many other Jewish burial grounds in the Czech lands, some of which are centuries old. Its founding coincided with the growth of the local Jewish community, which was closely tied to the textile industry that flourished in and around Hlinsko at the turn of the 20th century.

What does the site look like today?

Covering just 380 square meters, the cemetery ranks among the smallest of its kind in the country. It is enclosed by a tall wall, giving the burial ground an enclosed, secluded feel. Visitors enter through what was once a ceremonial hall, built of raw brick — a modest, functional structure typical of smaller Jewish cemeteries from this period.

How many graves remain?

The cemetery preserves 34 modern-style gravestones dating from its founding through the late 1930s. The youngest grave is dated 1939, showing that the site continued to serve the local Jewish community right up until the eve of the Second World War. Among those buried here are members of regional factory-owning families who played a significant role in the area's industrial development.

Can visitors access the cemetery?

The site is kept locked, a common practice used to protect small, isolated Jewish cemeteries from vandalism. Anyone wishing to visit should contact local heritage organizations responsible for the care of Jewish monuments in the region beforehand.

How has the cemetery been maintained?

In the mid-1990s, the cemetery underwent a thorough restoration. The surrounding wall and the former ceremonial hall were repaired, and toppled or damaged gravestones were raised and secured. Thanks to this work, the site remains in good technical condition, continuing to stand as a testament to the history of the local Jewish community.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the cemetery located? West of central Hlinsko, along the road to Trhová Kamenice, within the municipality of Vítanov.

When was the cemetery founded? In 1904.

How many gravestones have survived? 34 modern-style gravestones, the youngest dated 1939.

Can visitors walk in freely? No — the cemetery is locked, and access requires prior arrangement with its caretakers.

How large is the cemetery? Just 380 square meters, making it one of the smaller Jewish cemeteries in the Czech Republic.