How the Cemetery Changes
The photographs in this section document specific interventions at the Jewish cemetery in Levoča – the condition before the work began and after it was carried out.
They show the gradual clearing of volunteer vegetation and ivy, the reopening of burial areas, repairs to the fencing, and the first stabilisation of headstones.
The purpose of this gallery is not only to present visual contrast, but also to document how much work, time, and volunteer effort is required to preserve this place.
Restoration Work at the Cemetery
Mekomot Slovakia, a civic association, is carrying out the gradual restoration of the Jewish cemetery in Levoča.
The aim is to preserve and document this unique site of Jewish culture and history.
In this gallery, you will find a selection of “before and after” work that shows the process of clearing vegetation, removing overgrowth, stabilising headstones, and other conservation interventions.
This section will be regularly expanded as the restoration progresses.
Before
The matzevah was discovered by chance buried in the ground, partially covered and placed at the wrong grave. Its position and condition indicated long-term damage as well as incorrect placement.
After
After thorough cleaning and conservation, the matzevah was returned to its original place.
After years spent buried in the ground and incorrectly positioned, it now stands once again where it historically belongs, restoring its dignity and its role in commemorating the individual buried there.
The Greatest Challenge: Ivy
This section of the cemetery, designated for the Rozsnyai family, was covered by several years of ivy growth, reaching a thickness of approximately 0.5 meters. Beneath the dense vegetation were completely hidden and toppled matzevot, which we initially had no idea were there. Only after removing the entire overgrowth was it possible to identify the individual headstones.
In 2026, we plan to conserve them and restore the matzevot to their proper, dignified positions.
After the Removal of Ivy
After the dense ivy overgrowth was removed, the entire section designated for the Rozsnyai family became visible again. The matzevot are now exposed, identified, and ready for the next stages of restoration. In 2026, a complete rehabilitation of this area is planned, including the upright repositioning of the individual headstones to their original and dignified standing places.
Before
After the dense ivy overgrowth was removed, the entire section designated for the Rozsnyai family became visible again. The matzevot are now exposed, identified, and ready for the next stages of restoration. In 2026, a complete rehabilitation of this area is planned, including the upright repositioning of the individual headstones to their original and dignified standing places.
After
The area near the entrance gate was overgrown with tall grass, which obscured the surroundings and made access to the cemetery more difficult. The vegetation had not been maintained for a long time, causing the entrance to appear neglected and less accessible.
More of Our Work
