Old Jewish Cemetary in Wroclaw

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Wroc?aw is located in the southeast part of Wroc?aw (formerly known as Breslau), Poland, currently along ?l??na street. The first burial took place on 17 November 1856 which back then was a village of Gabitz. The current shape of the cemetery evolved mostly during the 19th century, during the German period of the city. The cemetery area was expanded twice. In 1943 the burial ceremonies were abandoned and the necropoly was leased for five years to a gardening center. During World War II, the cemetery became a fierce battleground, the marks of which are still visible on many tombstones. After 1945 it slowly turned into ruins. It was put on the list of the city's monuments in 1975.ArchitectureMost of the cemetery objects were built in second half of the 19th century. They imitate various architectural styles including Ancient, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque. Great example of Ancient architecture are numerous columns located throughout the cemetery that are symbols of life and eternity. Columns imitating broken trees reflect the tragedy of fragile life and death. Tombstones are signed by bilingual inscriptions, most commonly German and Jewish.Most common symbols of Jewish culture which can be seen on tombstones are: hands - on the tombstones of descendants of Aaron oriental tree - ancient symbol of messianic hope broken rose - motif of death helmet - army officer symbol palms - symbols of national sacrifice of Jews

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