The Old Jewish Cemetery in Eisenstadt: A Place of European Importance
The older Jewish cemetery of Eisenstadt is one of the most important Jewish cemeteries in Europe and offers a deep insight into the history of the region's Jewish community. Founded in the 17th century, this cemetery is not only a place of remembrance, but also a cultural heritage that reflects the eventful history of the Jewish population in Burgenland.
Short info:
- Where is he? 7000 Eisenstadt, Wertheimergasse 5
- Opening hours: The cemetery is open to the public all year round.
- Admission: The visit is free.
- Special features: One of the most important Jewish cemeteries in Europe, oldest Jewish gravestone in Burgenland, gravestone of Rabbi Meir.
A cemetery with centuries-old history
The oldest gravestone in the cemetery - also the oldest Jewish gravestone in the entire Burgenland - is that of Hirz Kamen, who died on 23 Tammuz 5439 according to the Jewish calendar (3 July 1679). This historic grave is located at J-20. The inscriptions on the gravestones, some of which are Hebrew and some in German, provide insight into the fate of the deceased members of the Jewish community.
A Place of Remembrance
The cemetery was used until 1875, when a new area in Carl-Moreau-Straße, not far from the old cemetery, was purchased for the younger Jewish cemetery. The older cemetery, however, remains an important witness to past times and the long Jewish tradition in EisenstadtOf particular note is the tombstone of Rabbi Meir Eisenstadt, one of the most famous Jewish scholars of his time. Rabbi Eisenstadt, also known as 'Meir Ash,' was an important rabbi and Talmudic scholar who died in 1744. His grave is located at site E-35 and still attracts many visitors from all over the world who pay their respects.
Restoration and modern technology
Over time, the cemetery has been renovated several times to prevent the old gravestones from deteriorating. In 2015, the Austrian Jewish Museum systematically recorded all 1,082 gravestones and assigned them new location numbers. This measure allows visitors to precisely locate the gravestones using QR codes and lists provided. In addition, a complete digital edition of the cemetery was created, in which each grave was provided with photos, site plans, copies of the inscriptions and links to relatives. This comprehensive documentation can be viewed online and offers interested parties a deeper understanding of the history of the site.
significance for today
The Old Jewish Cemetery in Eisenstadt is not only a historical monument, but also a place of reflection and remembrance. It commemorates the eventful history of the Jewish community in Austria and offers a space to reflect on the past and learn from it. The simple beauty of the cemetery, which is characterized by nature and the centuries-old gravestones, makes it a special place of peace and reflection.
For visitors, it is a journey into the past that simultaneously raises awareness of Jewish culture and its significance in the region. Even today, the cemetery is visited by people who are interested in their own history or the history of the Jews in Austria.
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