Bródno Jewish Cemetery, at św. Wincentego 15 in Warsaw, is a place of remembrance with reconstructed plots, surviving sandstone tombstones and quiet paths through trees. Established in the late 18th century, it was damaged during the German occupation and suffered further neglect after 1945. A pavilion by the entrance explains Jewish burial traditions. The cemetery’s atmosphere is subdued; allow time to walk respectfully among the graves and to visit the exhibition before entering the grounds.
A cemetery shaped by destruction and restoration
Bródno Jewish Cemetery was established in 1780 by Jewish merchant Szmul Jakubowicz, and the first recorded funerals took place in 1784. Historical materials indicate that burials may have taken place earlier. Before the Second World War, the grounds held about 300,000 graves.
During the German occupation, cemetery buildings and fences were destroyed, along with many tombstones. Neglect continued after 1945. Parts of the remaining wall were demolished, and between 1948 and 1951 surviving stones were removed by order of the authorities. Some were used as building material, while many more were prepared for export. Trees spread across the grounds, and plans to turn the area into a recreational park were not carried out.
The Nissenbaum Family Foundation restored the cemetery in the 1980s. The site was fenced, and a monumental gate was built on św. Wincentego Street. Today, about 3,000 tombstones remain.
The grounds and the entrance exhibition
A paved central avenue leads from the gate through the trees. Reconstructed plots contain sandstone tombstones, while other surviving stones are gathered in several areas of the cemetery. The grounds are sometimes described as a sea of tombstones, a reminder of how much of the original cemetery was lost.
The exhibition near the entrance introduces Jewish burial traditions and rituals. Visiting it before walking through the cemetery gives context to the graves and the customs connected with them. Shmuel Zbytkower and Abraham Stern are among those buried here.
FAQ
When can you visit Bródno Jewish Cemetery?
Visitor information specifies Sundays from April to October, except during Jewish holidays. Use the button at the gate to call security for entry during visiting hours.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, entry is paid. Check the current fee before visiting, as the available information gives conflicting amounts.
What can you see at the cemetery?
The grounds include reconstructed plots, surviving tombstones and a paved avenue through the trees. An exhibition by the entrance explains Jewish burial traditions.
