Jewish cemetery in Jindřichův Hradec

The Jewish cemetery in Jindřichův Hradec ranks among the oldest surviving Jewish burial grounds in the Czech Republic. It sits on the slope of Pejcoch hill above the Nežárka river, close to the historic core of the town. Its origins are tied to the earliest Jewish presence in Jindřichův Hradec, dating back to the late 13th century, when Oldřich of Hradec obtained permission from King Wenceslaus II to settle eight Jewish families in the town.

How old is the cemetery?

The burial ground was most likely founded around the year 1400, making it one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Bohemia. It was enlarged more than once over the following centuries: in 1557 and again in 1576 the grounds were extended and enclosed with a wooden fence, and in 1773 a stone wall was built around the perimeter. A further expansion took place around 1865, thanks to the efforts of local factory owner Ignatz Bobel.

What can visitors see there today?

The oldest surviving tombstone, of a traditional square form, dates from 1638. Among the most notable examples of stonework is a shared marital tombstone shaped like the Tablets of the Law, carved in the first third of the 18th century, along with two tombstones bearing the symbol of the Kohanite hands from around 1770 and a tombstone decorated with a Star of David from 1809. The variety of tombstone forms and symbols reflects changing funerary customs within the local Jewish community across several centuries.

The ceremonial hall

A ceremonial hall stands on the cemetery grounds, built between 1936 and 1937. The building received its occupancy permit in August 1937, and its formal opening by the local burial society took place on 29 August 1937 — shortly before the Second World War brought a brutal end to the history of the town's Jewish community.

What happened to the cemetery after the war?

Burials continued at the site even after the end of World War II, though the cemetery gradually fell into disrepair. Since January 1990, the local youth club Junák has cared for the damaged cemetery, halting further deterioration. Restoration work has continued since the 1990s, though parts of the site — including 17th- to 19th-century tombstones and the surrounding wall — still await repair.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the cemetery located? It lies on the slope of Pejcoch hill above the Nežárka river, near the historic center of Jindřichův Hradec.

How old is the cemetery? It was most likely established around 1400, making it one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the Czech Republic.

Is the cemetery still in use? Burials took place there as recently as after World War II; today the site is primarily a historic monument under conservation care.

What are the highlights for visitors? The 17th-century tombstones, unique stone carvings with religious symbolism, and the ceremonial hall completed in 1937.