Jewish cemetery in Pořejov

The Jewish cemetery in Pořejov sits quietly in a forest near the village of Žebráky in western Bohemia, roughly half a kilometer off the road toward Dlouhý Újezd. The village of Pořejov itself, first mentioned in the 13th century, has long since disappeared, but this burial ground remains as a physical trace of the Jewish community that once lived there.

How did a Jewish community end up here?

The earliest Jewish families in Pořejov are documented from the mid-17th century, settling near the local chateau and manorial farm. Over time the village grew into a modest regional center of Jewish life, complete with its own synagogue and school. The synagogue building was created in 1765 by converting a corner section of the old chateau. A fire severely damaged it in 1904, and in 1919 the Jewish community sold the structure into private hands for a symbolic sum of 700 Czech crowns.

What does the cemetery look like today?

The burial ground occupies a small, wooded plot roughly 40 by 20 meters, enclosed by a low wall that has partly crumbled with age. It was established no later than the early 18th century and was extended westward in 1835, bringing its current area to 881 square meters. Of the original roughly three hundred headstones, fewer than eighty survive today, counting fragments, with the oldest legible one dated to 1755.

Why visit this place?

This cemetery appeals to visitors interested in the history of Jewish settlement in the Czech lands and to anyone drawn to quiet, overgrown historic sites away from crowds. The weathered stone matzevot, half-hidden among trees and moss, give the place a distinctly contemplative atmosphere. There is no visitor infrastructure here — it is a low-key stop for those seeking authentic, tangible remnants of the past rather than a polished attraction. The site is officially protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, a recognition of its historical value despite its modest size.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the cemetery located? About 500 meters from Žebráky, in a forest along the road toward Dlouhý Újezd, near the connecting road between Pořejov and Žebráky.

Does the synagogue still stand? The building from 1765 survives structurally, though it was damaged by fire in 1904 and sold into private ownership in 1919, no longer serving a religious function.

How many headstones have survived? Fewer than eighty out of an original roughly three hundred, including fragments, with the oldest dated to 1755.

Is the site officially protected? Yes, it holds the status of a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.