The Alter Jüdischer Friedhof (Old Jewish Cemetery) in Berlin-Mitte is a place of profound historical and spiritual importance. Located on Große Hamburger Straße, it is the oldest final resting place of Berlin's Jewish community after the medieval period.

History and significance:

- Foundation: opened in 1672, it was used until 1827. It is estimated that around 12,000 people were buried here.

- Nazi destruction: in 1943, on the orders of the Gestapo, the cemetery was desecrated and destroyed. The tombstones were broken and used as building material or to reinforce trenches. The site was transformed into a garden and, later, into an air-raid shelter.

- Memorial: today, the cemetery is no longer a place of visible graves, but rather a memorial park that preserves the memory of the decimated Jewish community.

What to see on site:

- Moses Mendelssohn's Tomb: The Enlightenment philosopher Moses Mendelssohn (1729–1786) was the most famous person buried here. Although his original tomb was destroyed, a headstone reconstructed in 1962 marks his burial site and is a point of intellectual pilgrimage.

- Tombstone Wall: Fragments of recovered ancient tombstones have been affixed to the cemetery's retaining wall as a tribute to the dead.

- Memorial Sculpture: At the entrance, there is a poignant sculpture by Will Lammert depicting concentration camp prisoners, dedicated to the victims of fascism.

- The Great Oak: In the center of the grounds, there are centuries-old trees that survived war and destruction, giving the place an atmosphere of peace and quiet amidst the urban bustle.

Opening

It generally opens from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Tickets

Free entry.

Rules of Conduct

As this is sacred ground for the Jewish religion, men are asked to cover their heads if possible (although this is not mandatory for non-religious visitors in the park area). Eating, drinking, or bringing pets inside the enclosure is prohibited.

Security

As is the case in many Jewish venues in Berlin, there may be a discreet police presence or camera surveillance at the entrance.

Address

Große Hamburger Straße 26

U6 Oranienburger Tor Station

S1/S2/S25/S26 Oranienburger Straße Station

Tram M1/M5 Oranienburger Straße stop