Franz Kafka

AKA:

Bubble

Birth Name:

Franz Kafka

Birth Date:

July 3, 1883

Birth Place:

Prague, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary

Death Date:

June 3, 1924

Place of Death:

Hugo Hoffmann's Sanatorium, Kierling, Austria

Age:

Cause of Death:

Laryngeal tuberculosis and starvation

Cemetery Name:

New Jewish Cemetery (Nový židovský hřbitov)

Claim to Fame:

Writers and Poets

Franz Kafka was a German-speaking Bohemian writer born on July 3, 1883, in Prague, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now the Czech Republic). He is widely regarded as one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. Kafka was born into a middle-class Jewish family and had a complicated relationship with his domineering father, which deeply influenced his writing. He studied law at the University of Prague and worked for much of his life in insurance, writing in his spare time. Kafka’s works often explore themes of alienation, absurdity, and the oppressive power of bureaucracy, with his most famous stories including The Metamorphosis, The Trial, and The Castle. His distinctive style blends realism with surreal, nightmarish scenarios, reflecting a sense of existential dread. Despite writing prolifically, Kafka published only a few works during his lifetime and instructed his friend Max Brod to destroy his manuscripts after his death. Brod ignored these wishes and instead edited and published much of Kafka’s work, securing his posthumous reputation.

Fun Facts

Kafka never married. According to biographers Kafka was “tortured” by sexual desire and that he was filled with a fear of “sexual failure”. Kafka visited brothels for most of his adult life and pornography was a component of his sexual life. In addition, he had close relationships with several women during his lifetime and was engaged to be married several times.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

New Jewish Cemetery (Nový židovský hřbitov)

Izraelská street & Želivského metro station

Prague, ,

Czech Republic

Europe

Map:

Map of New Jewish Cemetery in Prague, Czeck Republic

Grave Location:

Sector 21, Row 14, Plot 33

Grave Location Description

Enter through the main gate and walk to the right side of the ceremonial hall. There you will find a sign pointing to Kafka’s grave. Follow the direction of the sign until you reach Sector 21 sign. Turn right at this sign and head towards the wall. Turn left when you get to the wall and walk until you reach the end of the sector (also marked by a sign). Kafka’s grave is next to the sign, facing the wall.