Židovský hřbitov v Turnově Jewish cemetery

Audio Guide:

Welcome, dear visitors. You are standing in front of one of the oldest and most interesting places in our region - the Jewish cemetery in Turnov. Around you lies a quiet place where centuries and history meet. Look at the tall stone walls surrounding you. There are hundreds of tombstones here that testify to the life and sadness of the people who have rested here.

The cemetery here has a long and rich history. The first preserved tombstone here dates back to 1680, which means this place is more than a three-year-old. Jews have been part of Turnova's life for a long time, and their cemetery was a place where they met relatives and friends. In the middle of the eighteenth century, a morgue was built, which was used for burial and was also home to the grave man here. The nineteenth century began to be written in Czech, which shows how the Jewish community in Turnov adapted to the local language.

Now pay attention to how the tombstones are arranged. They are oriented west-east, which is typical of Jewish cemeteries. The inscriptions on them are turned south so that people can pray to Jerusalem at the funeral. Look up where some tombstones are decorated with fine reliefs or texts in Hebrew, somewhere also in German. Some of them are old, their stone faces are worn out in time, but they still tell stories.

In 1940, the Jewish community in Turnov died because of tragic events. The last funeral was here in 1956. In the 1990s, a bridge was built over the cemetery, which means that part of the tombstones were moved to preserve their integrity and security.

It is the only preserved Jewish cemetery in the entire Semily district and also in the Liberec Region. This means that here you can see the history of Jewish life in our region. This cemetery is not only a place of peace, but also a place where you can learn a lot of interesting things about our ancestors.

Let's move on to some interesting things. Notice how this area is decomposed to 2179 square meters. This is a large area on which approximately 550 tombstones are preserved. Each of them is unique, either from a historical point of view or from an aesthetic point of view. Some are simple, others are decorative, but they are all an important part of this monument.

The interesting thing is that the oldest tombstone dates back to 1680. That's great proof of how long people lived here and how important these places were to them. Some of these tombstones are written in Hebrew, a language that was very important to the Jewish community. Some texts are also in German and later in Czech, which shows cultural blending and adaptation.

Notice how the tombstones are arranged in rows. Each tombstone has its own space, and this is important for respecting monuments and monuments. Somewhere you can see older tombstones that are worn out, but still retain their beauty and meaning.

This cemetery is also an important place to commemorate the tragic events of the last century. You can meet here many stories that tell about life, sadness and the legacy of our ancestors. It's a place where you can realize how important the memory of the past is and how we're supposed to take care of our heritage.

If you have time, explore this cemetery more. Look at every tombstone, read the texts on them, and think about the history that lies here. You can find many interesting details and insights here to help you better understand our region and its history.

Notice how quiet there is. This is where you can relax and think about the past. Remember, every tombstone is a memory for us of someone who was important. Whether you're here to explore history or just pass through, this cemetery will welcome you with peace and respect.

Prepare to find many stories here. Some are tragic, some are memories of joyous moments. Every tombstone is like a small stone in our collective of the past. Whatever you do here, remember that every visitor brings a new perspective and a new interest in history.

Notice how different languages and cultures meet here. This is proof of how the Jewish community in Turnov adapted to the local environment. Whether you've been looking at tombstones or just browsing, this cemetery will show you how rich our history is.

Welcome to this quiet and important place. Here history meets the present and every visitor can find something new here. Prepare to be surprised and inspired by this cemetery. Whether you're here to explore history or just browse, remember that every tombstone is an important part of our past.

Thank you for your attention and we wish you pleasant tours of this historic place. May you discover the secrets and stories that lie here. Let us reveal here how important the memory of the past is and how we are to take care of our heritage. Let you rest here and think about what we are and who we are. May you find peace and understanding here. May you be able to discover the beauty and meaning of this place. May you be able to explore history here and be a part of her story. May you enjoy the peace and quiet that exists here.