Jewish cemetery in Uhříněves

The Jewish cemetery in Uhříněves is a small, quiet burial ground on the northern edge of Prague's Uhříněves district (Prague 22), tucked along a marked trail that loops around a nearby nature reserve on the continuation of Vachkova street. It's one of the oldest surviving traces of a Jewish community in this part of Prague — a place that has outlasted, by centuries, the very community it once served, which ceased to exist during the Second World War.

Where did this cemetery come from?

Written records of a Jewish community in Uhříněves date back to 1670, though the cemetery itself was founded later, most likely in the first quarter of the 18th century. It was subsequently enlarged before the middle of the 19th century, a sign that the local Jewish community was growing and needed more burial space. Burials continued here without interruption until World War II, when — as in most Czech towns — the local Jewish community ceased to exist.

How large is the cemetery, and what can visitors see?

Spread across 3,302 m², the cemetery preserves around 300 gravestones, the oldest dating to 1719. Most are sandstone stelae with semicircular tops, carved with relief Hebrew inscriptions — a form typical of Jewish gravestones from this region and period. The stones carry traditional symbols tied to the deceased's lineage and role within the community: a Levite water pitcher, marking descent from the tribe of Levi, appears on nine stelae, while the blessing hands of a Kohen, signifying priestly descent, appear on two. Less common motifs include the Star of David and plant ornamentation.

Is the cemetery protected?

Yes — the Jewish cemetery in Uhříněves is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, a formal recognition of its historical value even though it has stood without an active community to maintain it for decades.

Are there any memorials on site?

In 2000, a delegation from the Reform Synagogue in Finchley, on the outskirts of London, planted a memorial oak tree on the cemetery grounds. A plaque beside the tree commemorates the residents of Uhříněves who died during the Holocaust — a gesture linking the town's long-vanished local community with the Jewish diaspora abroad.

How do you get there?

The cemetery sits on a marked tourist trail that loops around the nearby nature reserve, continuing from Vachkova street, about 800 meters northwest of Nové náměstí, Uhříněves' main square. The nearest public transport stop is Picassova, served by numerous bus lines.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Jewish cemetery in Uhříněves located? On the northern edge of Prague's Uhříněves district (Prague 22), along a marked trail off Vachkova street, about 800 m from Nové náměstí.

When was the cemetery established? Most likely in the first quarter of the 18th century — the oldest surviving gravestone dates to 1719.

How many gravestones have survived? Around 300 gravestones remain on the 3,302 m² site, mostly sandstone stelae with Hebrew inscriptions.

Is the cemetery still in use? No — burials continued until World War II, when the local Jewish community ceased to exist. The site is now protected as a cultural monument.