Description of the attraction
In 1647, the city of Eisenstadt came under the rule of the princely house of Esterhazy, which had a great influence on the city and led to positive changes. In 1648, by decree of Emperor Ferdinand III, Eisenstadt became a free city, paying a ransom fee of 16,000 guilders and 3,000 barrels of wine. In 1670, Paul I allowed 3000 Jews to settle in Eisenstadt and six nearby settlements, who were expelled from Vienna. The city's rabbi was Samson Wertimer, who himself was buried in the old Jewish cemetery.
There was a need for a cemetery. This is how the old Jewish cemetery appeared in the 17th century near the Jewish quarter. The old cemetery functioned from 1679 to 1875 and consisted of about 1140 gravestones with only Hebrew inscriptions. Due to the limited space, a new one was created next to the old cemetery. The new cemetery has been in operation since 1875.
During the Nazi occupation, both cemeteries were partially destroyed, and tombstones were used to erect barriers throughout the city. After 1945, the cemeteries were renovated and the monuments were put in place. In 1992, an act of vandalism took place at the new cemetery: about 80 gravestones were desecrated with Nazi symbols.
The Eisenstadt cemetery differs from other ancient Jewish cemeteries in its lack of vegetation. However, it bears great similarity in shape and appearance to the Vienna Cemetery. This is because the first settlers were Viennese émigrés. Previously, the entrance to the old cemetery was made through a beautiful semicircular metal gate, however, now they have not survived. Both cemeteries are open to the public.
