Kafka’s Final Resting Place

Among the splendid gravestones of the rich Jewish citizens in the New Jewish Cemetery in Prague Strašnice, a rather small gravestone stands out right on the edge because of its simplicity: a slender cubist epitaph marks the grave of Franz Kafka and his parents. On the cemetery wall opposite, a memorial plaque to Max Brod, his mentor and closest friend, has been installed. In the summer, the grave is the goal of countless literary pilgrims from around the world. Many lay small stones on the grave, according to an old Jewish custom; others, on the other hand, leave personal notes to the author on small slips of paper. In winter, however, when the visitors leave the city to the people of Prague, this place becomes a lonely, quiet and therefore more atmospheric memorial. 

His burial. The prayer hall of the Jewish cemetery in Prague. Well attended. Hebrew prayers. The grief of his parents and sisters. The silent despair of his companion who falls as if dead by his grave. The dismal weather, which only brightens up for a few moments. God knows, it’s unbelievable that Franz Kafka is being buried in the plain wooden box, the poet who was just starting to become great. 

Rudolf Fuchs

After a certain point there is no return. This point has to be reached. 

Franz Kafka Aphorisms