Jewish cemetery in Leżajsk, Jewish burial site in Leżajsk, Poland
The Jewish cemetery in Leżajsk sits on elevated ground where Górna and Studzienna streets meet in the southwestern part of town. The grounds are surrounded by a fence with a gate decorated with traditional Jewish symbols, and contain several structures including an ohel shrine.
The cemetery's official existence was documented through a privilege granted to Leżajsk's Jewish community by King Władysław IV in 1635. This established the right to bury the dead in the town and recognized the community as a formal part of the city's population.
The site holds deep meaning as a place where visitors come to pray and share their hopes through written notes left at sacred spots. The community continues to gather here to maintain connections with the deceased and keep religious traditions alive across generations.
The site is enclosed by a fence with an ornamental gate that serves as the main entrance for visitors and pilgrims. Access is on foot, and visitors should approach with respect for the sacred nature of the space, particularly when prayer gatherings occur.
During World War I, soldiers from the Austro-Hungarian Army who died in the region were buried at this site. This unexpected chapter reveals how the cemetery adapted during times of wider conflict in the surrounding region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.