Kleinbardorf, a village in Ebern, Lower Franconia, Bavaria, holds significant historical and archaeological value. Human settlement prehistoric traces back to 10,000 BC, and by the 8th century, it became a key route linking southern and northern Germany. The village’s most notable landmark is the Judenhügel, a medieval Jewish cemetery established in the 16th century. It is one of Bavaria’s largest Jewish burial sites, with around 4,400 gravestones, serving 27 surrounding communities until the 20th century. The cemetery is enclosed by an early medieval circular wall, enhancing its historical authenticity. Gravestones are mostly sandstone with some limestone, ranging from 1 to 1.5 meters tall and 30 to 50 cm wide, with larger stones for prominent individuals displaying intricate decorative motifs that reflect social status. Located about 10 km northeast of Ebern (50° 16′ 21″ N, 10° 24′ 40″ E), Kleinbardorf experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The cemetery is a listed monument under German heritage laws, offering valuable context into Jewish burial traditions and stone craftsmanship.

The European Union’s Stecci Project selected Kleinbardorf as a case study for its historical layers and rich epigraphic heritage. The site’s preservation state provides a unique opportunity for research on historical cemeteries, deepening understanding of Jewish cultural landscapes in Europe. The project supports site documentation and preservation, raising awareness of Kleinbardorf’s significance and inspiring continued cultural appreciation across Europe.

https://steccihorizoneu.com/wp3-condition-assessment-on-site-kleinbardorf-and-unsleben-germany-june-20th-and-21st-2024/
https://steccihorizoneu.com/eu-stecci-project-community-tour-to-the-jewish-cemetery-in-kleinbardorf/
https://steccihorizoneu.com/inspiring-the-next-generation-rhon-gymnasium-hosts-cultural-heritage-conservation-event-january-24-2025-bad-neustadt-germany/