Judenfriedhof (Jewish Cemetery) by Binegars1990
This cemetery has been in use since the 11th century and the oldest in Europe. A walk through this higly evocative spot with ancient tombstones recalls the time when Wroms was a major center of Jewish culture. The oldest existing grave stone on the site is from Jakob ha-bachur and dates from the year 1076. This means that Worms? Jewish cemetery is the oldest Jewish cemetery still in existence in Europe . Other grave stones from the 11th Century also still exist. They are easily recognisable by their simple, square form, the writing lines and the fact that the text is framed. The numerous gravestones form the 12th Century look very similar but without the lines and frame.The cemetery originated as the first synagogue was built in 1034. Not only its age is of great significance: a number of renowned Jewish scholars are buried here. This graveyard is also interesting for historians as no Christian cemeteries with standing grave stones exist from the Romanesque era. Very few grave stones and coffin lids were preserved in churches.
