Jewish cemetery (Lysá nad Labem)

Jewish cemetery in Lysá nad Labem is a former burial ground on the northern edge of the town, in the Nymburk district of Central Bohemia, roughly 30 km northeast of Prague. Today it survives mainly as a quiet park rather than a traditional cemetery, but a memorial plaque and a handful of original trees still mark its past.

How to get there?

Lysá nad Labem lies on the Elbe river, about 14 km west of Nymburk, and is easily reached by train or car from Prague within an hour. The cemetery site sits at the northern edge of the built-up area, within walking distance of the town center, making it a simple stop for anyone already exploring Lysá nad Labem or passing through on a day trip along the Elbe valley.

What will you see?

The Jewish community connected with this cemetery traces its documented presence in the town back to the 19th century, with records pointing to organized community life from around 1860. The cemetery in its present location was established later in the century, in 1898, though it was not the town's first Jewish burial ground — an earlier one, near the neighboring village of Litol (now absorbed into Lysá nad Labem), dated back to the 17th century and had already fallen out of use by around 1800, leaving no surviving gravestones.

The 20th century was harsh to the site. Damage began during the turbulent wartime and postwar years, but the most severe destruction came in the 1960s, when the remaining headstones were removed and the ceremonial hall along with the surrounding perimeter wall were torn down. For decades afterward the plot stood without upkeep, gradually absorbed into the surrounding townscape and reused for recreational purposes — visitors today will find a park-like space that has served as a playground and sports ground, bordered by allotment gardens and utility sheds rather than any visible burial markers.

A place in slow recovery

Since 2001, the Jewish Community in Prague has taken responsibility for the site, and gradual restoration work has followed. Sections of the perimeter wall have been repaired, and efforts have been made to reinstate the surviving headstones and preserve the character of the grounds. A commemorative plaque now stands on the property, explaining the site's history to passers-by who might otherwise see only an ordinary town park. The original trees that once shaded the graves are still standing, giving the place a quieter, more contemplative feel than its surroundings.

Despite this care, the location has not been free of pressure — proposed development nearby has at times threatened the integrity of the grounds, and general urban encroachment remains an ongoing concern for those maintaining it.

When to visit?

Because the site functions largely as an open green space, it can be visited at any time of year. Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant seasons, when the trees are in leaf and the park is comfortable to walk through. As there are no opening hours or entry fees, a stop here works well combined with a broader walk around Lysá nad Labem, including its well-known chateau and town center.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Jewish cemetery in Lysá nad Labem still an active burial ground? No. The site no longer functions as a cemetery; it has been converted into a park-like public space, though its history is marked with a memorial plaque.

When was the cemetery established? The cemetery at this location dates to 1898. An earlier Jewish burial ground near Litol, now part of Lysá nad Labem, existed from the 17th century until around 1800.

Why are there no gravestones left today? Most of the headstones, along with the ceremonial hall and perimeter wall, were removed and demolished during the 1960s.

Who cares for the site today? Since 2001, the Jewish Community in Prague has overseen restoration and maintenance, including repairs to the perimeter wall.