Jewish Cemetery in Mysłowice

A disused Jewish cemetery on Stawowa Street in the Piasek district, in the northern part of Mysłowice. It was founded in 1864, and the last burials took place before it was closed in 1963. The site covers 0.4 ha, and about a hundred gravestones survive on it.

History of the place

The Jews of Mysłowice bought land for a cemetery as early as the beginning of the 18th century, on the eastern side of what was then a narrow path, today's Stawowa Street. In 1864 a new part was created, on the western side, and it has survived to this day in almost unchanged form. Stawowa Street therefore separates the older cemetery from the newer one.

By the gate with the Star of David one can see the foundations of the funeral house in which the last ceremonies were held. In the late 1970s, during the building of blocks of flats and the laying of sewers to them, many tombs, most often of black marble, were dug up.

Condition today

In 2024 the cemetery was vandalised: 60 matzevot (gravestones) were knocked over, of which 20 were broken. In November of the same year it was entered in the heritage register. In spring and summer the site is overgrown with ivy. In available descriptions the gate is padlocked and the site cannot be entered.

Practical information

• Location: Stawowa Street, Piasek district, Mysłowice.
• Before your visit, check whether the cemetery is accessible, as the rules of entry may have changed. The gate and the fence can be seen from outside.
• This is a place of remembrance, not an entertainment site: keep a respectful manner and do not touch or move the matzevot.
• In the area lies the Three Emperors' Corner, about three kilometres away.