Historic sites

Jewish Cemeteries in Cieszyn

Cieszyn’s Jewish cemeteries on Hażlaska Street form an unusual pair of necropolises facing one another. The old cemetery was established in 1647, while the new one opened in 1907 when the original burial ground could no longer serve the Jewish community. Together they preserve an important record of Cieszyn and the Jewish history of Cieszyn Silesia.

The old cemetery at 39 Hażlaska Street

The older necropolis was created with the permission of Duchess Elisabeth Lucretia for the family and servants of Jakub Singer, and later became the main burial place of Cieszyn’s Jews. More than 1,500 matzevot survive, including stones from the late 17th century, with inscriptions in Hebrew and German. The stone stelae stand on a wooded slope; look for differences in their shapes, ornament and the way names were recorded.

The new cemetery and the city’s memory

The new cemetery across Hażlaska Street opened in 1907 and took over as the main burial ground. About 100 tombstones survive there, and the site has been receiving conservation and maintenance attention in recent years. Treat both cemeteries as one stop on a Jewish heritage walk, combining them with the Museum of Cieszyn Silesia, the old town and Castle Hill.

Practical information

The cemeteries are fenced, and entry conditions may depend on the current caretaker. Do not assume fixed visiting hours: check local information or contact the caretaker before travelling. Keep quiet, do not touch the matzevot and never step onto graves.