Brno Jewish Cemetery Czech Republic

Jewish heritage of Brno dates back to the 13th century. The Jewish community enjoyed autonomy until the 15th century, when Jews were banished from royal cities, a ban which lasted around 400 years. In the middle of the 19th century the ban was canceled, and Jews of Brno were allowed to settle, marry, trade and believe freely. Jewish industrialists from Brno contributed to the industry in the region. in 1852 the cemetery was opened in Brno-Židenice, and the Synagogue Maior was inaugurated in 1855. This synagogue was burnt down by the German Nazis in March 1939. The Jewish population of Brno was around 11,000 at the beginning of the Second World War. Most of it was deported to Terezín, of which merely 700 survived.

The Jewish cemetery of Brno is well preserved and maintained, and information about locations of graves can be found in the information center at the entrance. The variety of headstones is a true inspiration, and besides commemorating people and people’s wealth, they also serve as a reflection of various architectural styles dominant on various periods. Note the International Style headstones, for instance.