Historic sites

Jewish Cemetery in Zabrze

The Jewish cemetery at 15 Cmentarna Street in Zabrze is a protected historic site and an important trace of Upper Silesia’s multicultural past. It was established in 1871; the oldest surviving gravestone dates from 18 September that year. Burials continued until 1954. The cemetery covers about 1.5 hectares and more than 700 tombstones survive across thirteen sections. It is listed in the heritage register under A/1500/92.

History and memorials

The plot was donated by Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck, then owner of Zabrze. In 1918, five Russian soldiers from the local prisoner-of-war camp were buried beside the walls. The cemetery also contains a mass grave of prisoners from a wartime labour camp. Together with the surviving stones, these places preserve difficult chapters in the history of the city and its victims of war.

What to look for

The cemetery’s main attraction is its variety of forms: traditional matzevot with Hebrew and German inscriptions, family tombs and rows of wall tombs integrated into the boundary. The monumental tomb of Max Böhm, made from black Swedish granite, stands out. Also look for traces of the historic paths, fragments of the old boundary wall, ivy and more than 200 mature trees, including plane trees.

Visiting and practical tips

The cemetery is normally closed. There are no confirmed regular daily visiting hours, so arrange access with the Zachor caretakers or join an officially announced guided event. Check access information before travelling. Keep quiet, do not touch matzevot or step on graves, and never enter without permission.