New Jewish Cemetery (Miodowa)

Quieter, wilder, and in many ways more haunting than its famous neighbour, this expansive cemetery on Ulica Miodowa offers one of the most genuinely moving experiences in all of Kazimierz — and most visitors walk straight past it.

History & Background

Opened in 1800, the New Jewish Cemetery served Kraków's growing Jewish community for well over a century, becoming the primary burial ground when the older Remuh Cemetery reached capacity. Thousands of Kraków Jews were laid to rest here across the following decades — merchants, rabbis, intellectuals, and families whose names shaped the city's cultural and commercial life. The Holocaust brought that history to a violent halt. During the Nazi occupation, the cemetery was desecrated, tombstones smashed and removed. What survived the war became the raw material for one of the cemetery's most powerful features: a memorial wall constructed from recovered fragments of destroyed matzevot (tombstones), reassembled into a jagged mosaic of broken Hebrew inscriptions and carved stone. Standing before it is a genuinely sobering experience.

What to Expect

The cemetery covers a substantial hillside, its pathways winding beneath mature trees that cast dappled light across thousands of tombstones in wildly varying states of preservation. Some are ornate and legible; others lean at sharp angles, half-swallowed by moss and roots. The contrast between the manicured Remuh Cemetery nearby and this wilder, more organic space is striking — there's an atmosphere here that feels less curated and more raw. Spend at least 30–45 minutes wandering the paths, and don't rush the memorial wall near the entrance. Entry is free, though a small donation box is present and contributions are always welcome. Dress modestly and bring a head covering if you have one, as a sign of respect.

Insider Tip

Most visitors enter, glance at the memorial wall, and follow the main central path — missing the quieter outer sections where some of the oldest and most elaborate tombstones are clustered. Head left along the perimeter wall after entering and explore the less-trafficked eastern edge of the grounds. You'll find elaborate Art Nouveau-style tombs from the early 20th century largely ignored by other visitors, giving you a rare moment of solitude and discovery. Going on a weekday morning also helps — by midday, small tour groups can arrive, and the quiet contemplation this place deserves becomes harder to find.