Jewish cemetery in Odolena Voda

The Jewish cemetery in Odolena Voda is a small but well-preserved burial ground tucked away on a wooded hill within the municipal cadastre, roughly a kilometer southeast of the neighboring village of Postřižín. Despite the name it carries today, the site historically served as the Jewish cemetery of Postřižín, used by the local Jewish community before current administrative boundaries took shape. The cemetery is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, giving it formal heritage protection.

When was the cemetery established?

The burial ground was founded no later than the early 19th century, with available records pointing to 1812 as the founding year. It was expanded in 1896, an indication that the local Jewish community was either growing or at least stable enough at the time to require additional burial space.

How many gravestones have survived?

Across an area of 1,701 square meters, around 200 tombstones remain standing today. The oldest identified grave marker likely dates to 1831, while the most recent is dated 1938 — just before the outbreak of World War II, which violently interrupted the history of Jewish communities across this part of Europe. This span of more than a century makes the cemetery a valuable record of continuous Jewish settlement in the region.

What happened to the cemetery after the war?

Like many similar sites in the Czech lands, the cemetery fell into neglect for decades as the community that once maintained it was no longer present. Its condition began to change around 1997, when the Jewish Community of Prague undertook a restoration effort. Most of the perimeter wall enclosing the grounds was rebuilt, and a new wrought-iron gate was installed at the entrance. These works ensured the site could be preserved and remain accessible for remembrance and visits.

Is it worth visiting?

The cemetery mainly draws visitors interested in the Jewish history of the Prague region and those who appreciate quiet, understated funerary heritage sites. Its setting on a forested hilltop gives the place a calm, reflective atmosphere, away from the bustle of larger tourist attractions. It makes a worthwhile stop for travelers exploring the area around Prague who want to encounter a lesser-known but historically significant trace of the country's multicultural past.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the cemetery located? On a wooded hill within the cadastre of Odolena Voda, about a kilometer southeast of the village of Postřižín.

How many gravestones remain? Around 200 tombstones on an area of 1,701 square meters.

What are the dates of the oldest and newest graves? The oldest is likely from 1831, the newest from 1938.

Is the cemetery legally protected? Yes, it is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

Who carried out the restoration? The Jewish Community of Prague, which rebuilt the perimeter wall and installed a new gate around 1997.