
New Jewish Cemetery Kraków
A vast and solemn Jewish cemetery, a poignant memorial to Holocaust victims and a testament to Krakow's rich history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere

New Jewish Cemetery Kraków
Best Time
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast and solemn Jewish cemetery, a poignant memorial to Holocaust victims and a testament to Krakow's rich history.
"A post-apocalyptic graveyard where the collective dead have more meaning than the individuals."

👋 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing to show respect.
🪨 Leave a Stone
Place a small stone on a gravestone as a sign of remembrance. Don't remove existing stones.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Holocaust Memorial
Eastern section
A poignant monument dedicated to victims of the Holocaust, serving as a solemn reminder of wartime atrocities.
Repatriated Tombstones
Various sections
Discover tombstones salvaged from the Plaszow Concentration Camp, some pieced together to form walls.

Historic Gravestones
Main pathways
Wander among thousands of markers, many belonging to prominent Torah scholars and pre-WWII Krakow residents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
The Stone Tradition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👋 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing to show respect.
🪨 Leave a Stone
Place a small stone on a gravestone as a sign of remembrance. Don't remove existing stones.
🚫 No Flowers
Flowers are temporary; stones are a more fitting Jewish tradition for remembrance.
🧼 Hand Washing
Wash your hands after leaving the cemetery as a sign of ritual purity.
I would like to visits a Jewish cemetery, what are some does and don’ts?
Tips
from all over the internet
👋 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing to show respect.
🪨 Leave a Stone
Place a small stone on a gravestone as a sign of remembrance. Don't remove existing stones.
🚫 No Flowers
Flowers are temporary; stones are a more fitting Jewish tradition for remembrance.
🧼 Hand Washing
Wash your hands after leaving the cemetery as a sign of ritual purity.
🤫 Quiet Reflection
Maintain a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. Avoid loud conversations or music.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the New Jewish Cemetery a deeply moving and important place, offering a profound sense of history and reflection. Many are struck by the sheer scale of the cemetery and the poignant stories embedded in its tombstones, particularly those linked to the Holocaust. While some note the overgrown nature of parts of the cemetery, the overall experience is described as thoughtful and inspirational.
"It’s very precious and important place, I think. Threr are some very new and some very old. It was very large than I guess at the entrance. I am not Jew but this place made me thoughful. May the souls rest in peace."
Jiwon (felizgato)
"Place where you can think off the fast flying time in high competitive society.
Here you feel the eternity of the death as a whole."
Andrii Yurkevych
"LIEU MEMORABLE ++++
Some Pictures, Black and White."
stefan speyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is located in the Kazimierz district. You can reach it by tram or bus from the city center. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from other Kazimierz attractions.
Street parking can be limited in Kazimierz. It's often easier to use public transport or a taxi. Consider parking further away and walking if you're driving.
Yes, the New Jewish Cemetery is within walking distance of many sites in the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz). It's a good addition to a walking tour of the area.
A self-guided walk is common. Consider downloading a map or guide beforehand if you want to locate specific graves or learn more about the history.
The grounds can be uneven in places, and some paths may be unpaved. It's advisable to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the cemetery is generally free, but donations are appreciated to help with its upkeep. Check for any specific opening hours or potential entry fees before your visit.
The cemetery is typically open during daylight hours but is closed from Friday evening to Saturday for Shabbat. Always verify current hours before visiting.
No, the cemetery is closed from Friday evening to Saturday for Shabbat, a Jewish day of rest.
While often free, donations are encouraged to support the maintenance of this historic site.
Yes, many guided tours of Krakow's Jewish Quarter include a visit to the cemetery. This can provide valuable historical context.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Leaving a stone is a Jewish custom symbolizing eternal remembrance, as stones are more permanent than flowers. It signifies that the soul lives forever.
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing out of respect for the sacred nature of the site.
Photography is generally permitted, but always be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography, especially if visitors are praying or reflecting.
It's a solemn tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, many of whose tombstones were repatriated from concentration camps like Plaszow.
Yes, maintain silence, avoid eating or drinking, and do not sit on gravestones. Wash your hands upon exiting.
📸 📸 Photography
The rows of historic gravestones, the Holocaust memorial, and the older, weathered monuments offer compelling photographic opportunities.
Many visitors find black and white photography enhances the solemn and historical atmosphere of the cemetery, highlighting textures and emotions.
Consider using a wider aperture for shallow depth of field to focus on specific stones, or a narrower aperture for landscape shots of the entire grounds. Natural light is often best.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in cemeteries due to privacy and respect concerns. Always check local regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Midday sun can be harsh.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🤔 Thoughtful Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Jewish Cemetery Traditions
Conversely, placing flowers is generally discouraged. While some may leave a Yahrzeit candle, especially near the anniversary of death, the emphasis is on enduring symbols. It's also important to maintain a respectful demeanor: avoid eating, drinking, smoking, playing music, or sitting on gravestones. Washing hands upon leaving the cemetery is another custom, signifying a return to the mundane world with a sense of spiritual renewal.
These traditions underscore the reverence and solemnity associated with Jewish burial grounds. By observing them, visitors show respect for the departed and the sanctity of the site.
The Historical Significance of the New Jewish Cemetery
Many of the tombstones found here have a profound and harrowing history. A significant number were repatriated from the Plaszow Concentration Camp, which the Germans infamously used as a road. Stones that were too damaged to be repaired were sometimes incorporated into walls, while fragments were left as piles, creating a landscape that feels almost post-apocalyptic. Wandering through the cemetery, one can feel the weight of history, with thousands of markers speaking volumes about pre-WWII Krakow and the lives of its Jewish residents, including many great Torah luminaries.
The cemetery is not just a burial ground but a place of reflection on history, loss, and resilience. It offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to contemplate the collective memory of a community deeply impacted by war and persecution.
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