New Jewish Cemetery Kraków
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New Jewish Cemetery Kraków

4.6
·160 reviews·Kraków, Poland

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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New Jewish Cemetery Kraków

New Jewish Cemetery Kraków

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(160 reviews)

"A post-apocalyptic graveyard where the collective dead have more meaning than the individuals."

Vertical photo
TIP

👋 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Holocaust Memorial

Holocaust Memorial

Eastern section

A poignant monument dedicated to victims of the Holocaust, serving as a solemn reminder of wartime atrocities.

Repatriated Tombstones

Repatriated Tombstones

Various sections

Discover tombstones salvaged from the Plaszow Concentration Camp, some pieced together to form walls.

Historic Gravestones

Historic Gravestones

Main pathways

Wander among thousands of markers, many belonging to prominent Torah scholars and pre-WWII Krakow residents.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visitation

As a sacred Jewish burial ground, dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor. Avoid eating, drinking, or playing music. Remember to wash your hands upon leaving. Reddit

The Stone Tradition

It's customary to leave a small stone or pebble on a gravestone, symbolizing eternal remembrance. Avoid placing flowers, as they are temporary. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Why is there a Jewish tradition to place a stone on a grave when visiting the cemetery? #jewishlife #mitzvah #jewishfuneral
@rabbiraps
63.2K likes • 1.3M views

👋 Respectful Attire

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing to show respect. Reddit

🪨 Leave a Stone

Place a small stone on a gravestone as a sign of remembrance. Don't remove existing stones. TikTokReddit

Polish food market in Krakow #polishfood #zapiekanka #krakow #pulledpork #whattoeatinkrakow
@antoinetteflocel
25.2K likes • 673.2K views
🇬🇧 🇨🇵Looking for some interesting walk ideas in Kraków? Head over to the historic Rakowicki Cemetery, or visit the New Jewish Cemetery in Kazimierz (just remember it's closed from Friday evening to Saturday for Shabbat). If you're into nature, climb Krakus Mound—it's not unusual to spot a fox up there! Afterward, make your way back to the city center and warm up with a hot tea. Kraków has so many ...
guidedecracovie
3 likes • 721 views

🚫 No Flowers

Flowers are temporary; stones are a more fitting Jewish tradition for remembrance. Reddit

🧼 Hand Washing

Wash your hands after leaving the cemetery as a sign of ritual purity. Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🪨 Leave a Stone

Place a small stone on a gravestone as a sign of remembrance. Don't remove existing stones. TikTokReddit

🚫 No Flowers

Flowers are temporary; stones are a more fitting Jewish tradition for remembrance. Reddit

🧼 Hand Washing

Wash your hands after leaving the cemetery as a sign of ritual purity. Reddit

🤫 Quiet Reflection

Maintain a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. Avoid loud conversations or music. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(160 reviews)

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

Profound historical significance
Moving and reflective atmosphere
Poignant Holocaust memorials

What People Dislike

Can be overgrown in parts

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

The grounds can be uneven in places, and some paths may be unpaved. It's advisable to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

The cemetery is typically open during daylight hours but is closed from Friday evening to Saturday for Shabbat. Always verify current hours before visiting. Instagram

No, the cemetery is closed from Friday evening to Saturday for Shabbat, a Jewish day of rest. Instagram

While often free, donations are encouraged to support the maintenance of this historic site. Reddit

Yes, many guided tours of Krakow's Jewish Quarter include a visit to the cemetery. This can provide valuable historical context. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing out of respect for the sacred nature of the site. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted, but always be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography, especially if visitors are praying or reflecting. Reddit

It's a solemn tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, many of whose tombstones were repatriated from concentration camps like Plaszow. Reddit

Yes, maintain silence, avoid eating or drinking, and do not sit on gravestones. Wash your hands upon exiting. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rows of historic gravestones, the Holocaust memorial, and the older, weathered monuments offer compelling photographic opportunities. Reddit

Many visitors find black and white photography enhances the solemn and historical atmosphere of the cemetery, highlighting textures and emotions. Reddit

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. Instagram

Drone photography is generally not permitted in cemeteries due to privacy and respect concerns. Always check local regulations. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Midday sun can be harsh. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the New Jewish Cemetery can be a profound learning experience for families. While it's a place for quiet reflection, you can engage children by explaining the tradition of leaving stones as a symbol of lasting memory. TikTokReddit Focus on the historical aspect, explaining that the cemetery tells stories of people who lived long ago and the importance of remembering them. Reddit Ensure children understand the need for respectful behavior, such as speaking softly and not touching the gravestones unnecessarily. Reddit Consider visiting during a weekday morning when it's less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Reddit

🤔 Thoughtful Travelers

For those seeking a deeply moving and reflective experience, the New Jewish Cemetery offers a unique opportunity. The sheer number of gravestones, many bearing the marks of history and loss, can be incredibly thought-provoking. Reddit Take your time to wander the paths, observe the different styles of monuments, and consider the lives they represent. Reddit The presence of tombstones salvaged from concentration camps adds a layer of solemnity and historical weight that is palpable. Reddit It's a place to contemplate eternity, the passage of time, and the enduring impact of historical events. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Jewish Cemetery Traditions

Visiting a Jewish cemetery involves understanding specific customs that honor the deceased. A prominent tradition is leaving a small stone or pebble on a gravestone. This practice, often done with the left hand, symbolizes eternal remembrance, as stones are seen as more permanent than flowers, which wither and die. TikTokReddit It's a way to acknowledge that the soul of the departed lives on forever. TikTok

Conversely, placing flowers is generally discouraged. Reddit While some may leave a Yahrzeit candle, especially near the anniversary of death, the emphasis is on enduring symbols. Reddit It's also important to maintain a respectful demeanor: avoid eating, drinking, smoking, playing music, or sitting on gravestones. Reddit Washing hands upon leaving the cemetery is another custom, signifying a return to the mundane world with a sense of spiritual renewal. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Historical Significance of the New Jewish Cemetery

Founded in 1800, the New Jewish Cemetery in Krakow is a significant historical site, covering 4.5 hectares. It serves as a testament to the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in Krakow and a somber memorial to the atrocities of the Holocaust. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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