Jewish cemetery in Radenín

The Jewish cemetery in Radenín sits on a hilltop roughly 200 meters northeast of the village of Radenín, in South Bohemia near Kozmice. It's one of the better-preserved Jewish burial sites in this part of the Czech Republic and remains open to visitors.

When was the cemetery established?

Jewish families are recorded living in Radenín as early as before 1674, and the cemetery itself dates back to the 17th century — its oldest surviving tombstone is from 1699. The grounds were later enlarged, reaching their current size of 1,403 square meters before 1866.

Who was buried here?

The cemetery served far more than just Radenín's own Jewish residents. It was also the burial ground for the Jewish community of the nearby town of Chýnov and numerous surrounding villages. After 1900, it additionally took in burials from the formerly independent Jewish congregation of Choustník, once that community could no longer maintain its own cemetery. This wide catchment area reflects how central Radenín's cemetery was for Jewish life scattered across the region.

What happened during and after the war?

The last documented burial took place in 1938. Just months later, in the spring of 1939, shortly after the Nazi occupation began, the cemetery was damaged — a fate shared by many Jewish cemeteries across Central Europe during that period. Despite this, a substantial number of tombstones survived.

What can visitors see today?

Around 300 tombstones remain on the site, spanning Baroque, Classical, and Modern styles — a visual record of changing funerary art over more than two centuries. Among the most notable markers is the tombstone of Samuel Sonn, decorated with an unusual sun relief, and that of Rabbi Leopold Frank (1751–1842), a significant figure in the local Jewish community.

In 1962, the cemetery was declared a cultural monument, a designation that has helped preserve it in its current state. Today the site is owned by the Jewish Community of Prague and managed by the company Matana a.s.

Is it worth visiting?

For anyone interested in Jewish history in the Czech lands, or simply looking for a quiet, historically rich stop in South Bohemia, the Radenín cemetery is a worthwhile detour. Its hillside setting, well-preserved tombstones, and centuries-long history combine scenic appeal with an authentic window into the region's past.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the cemetery located? On a hilltop about 200 meters northeast of the village of Radenín, near Kozmice, in the South Bohemian Region.

How old is the cemetery? Its oldest surviving tombstone dates from 1699, though Jewish families lived in the area even before 1674.

How many tombstones remain? About 300, in Baroque, Classical, and Modern styles.

Who manages the cemetery today? The Jewish Community of Prague, through the company Matana a.s.

Can visitors go in? Yes, the cemetery is open to the public.