Chatam Sofer Memorial — Attraction in Bratislava

The Mausoleum of Chatam Sofer is the tomb of Chatam Sofer (1762–1839), a rabbi of the Bratislava Jewish community and a representative of traditional Jewish learning in Bratislava. It represents a Jewish pilgrimage site. It was opened in 2002 for the 240th anniversary of his birth. The building is nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It is located on the site of the oldest Jewish cemetery in Bratislava, which was founded in the 17th century when the Pálffi family allowed Jews to bury their dead near the castle fortifications. It was used until 1847. In 1942, most of the graves were flooded after a great flood. Only 23 graves and 41 tombstones have survived, including the grave of Rabbi...

The historical cemetery is underground, as it once was the construction of the road tunnel under Bratislava Castle in 1943 but negotiations with the clero-fascist Slovak leader, allowed an important fraction of the cemetery containing the graves of the rabbis to be preserved encased in concrete. Later, when the tunnel was converted for public transport trams a tram stop was constructed...

I recently visited the Chatam Sofer Memorial, and it was a great experience. Eugene, who was friendly and informative, made the visit even more enjoyable. He shared interesting insights about the memorial and the history of Rabbi Moses Sofer, helping us better understand its significance. It was an enriching experience for both me and my friend, and we left with a deeper appreciation...