Photo Essay: The Old Jewish Cemetery In Frankfurt

One of my favorite discoveries in Frankfurt happened by accident on my last full day in the city.

As you may know, I like to photograph cemeteries, especially in other countries and cultures. I walked by the walled old Jewish Cemetery in Frankfurt and saw that the gate was locked.

But I could peak through and see the cemetery inside. I assumed that was as close as I would get and continued on to the Museum Judengasse.

I walked through the museum learning about the history of the Judengasse, the Jewish ghetto of Frankfurt, and the way of life for the people who lived there from the mid-1400s to the late 1700s.

On my way out, I happened to mention to the woman at the front desk that I was disappointed that the cemetery was not open to the public.

And then she handed me a key.

I carefully opened the gate and stepped inside the quiet space feeling completely separated from the bustling city just outside the high walls.

Beautiful tombstones decaying gracefully line the inside of the cemetery walls. They depict inscriptions in Hebrew and the house sign of the dwelling of the deceased.

The cemetery is older than the Judengasse with it’s earliest interment dating back to the 13th century. This is one of the oldest cemeteries of its kind in Europe and the most impressive historical site in Frankfurt.

I felt lucky to be in this special place, destroyed but now preserved.

I carefully walked along the wall towards the large cluster of tombstones at the far end.

There is an open green space in the middle of the cemetery contrasting with the almost claustrophobic feeling of the closely stacked stones typical of Jewish cemeteries. However, this green space most likely exists because two-thirds of the headstones were destroyed during WWII. Piles of broken stones can still be seen today.

Some gravestones were removed at that time and returned to the cemetery in the 1950s. Those of important people were grouped together in a place of honor. Small stones and pieces of paper containing supplications have been placed on these gravestones as is typical in the Jewish tradition.

The old Jewish Cemetery was my favorite photography experience in Frankfurt. If you want to visit, be sure to have an ID to leave with the front desk when you pick up the key.

Comments

Arti says

September 1, 2014 at 2:29 pm

Looking at those pictures gave me goosebumps, they seem to radiate some unknown power. You have captured the cemetery beautifully Steph!
Arti recently posted..Swayumbhu Siddhivinayak Ganesh Temple – Vazira Naka, Borivli
- Stephanie - The Travel Chica says
  
  October 4, 2014 at 8:06 pm
  
  Thanks so much!
  Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..My Top 11 Amsterdam
video game cheat codes says

September 30, 2014 at 6:27 pm

I think this is among the most vital information for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The website style
is perfect, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
video game cheat codes recently posted..video game cheat codes
Paket Umroh says

April 8, 2017 at 3:18 am

Cemeteries are very scary at all, but it is something that we will meet in the future also will
Paket Umroh recently posted..Paket Umroh Ramadhan 2017 Dengan SV / GA Langsung Madinah Mulai $ 2200