In 1934, a monument was erected on the central avenue in honor of the 37 officers and soldiers of Jewish descent who fell in the struggle for Latvian independence between 1918 and 1920.
In 1964, the Soviet authorities decided to open the cemetery for free burials for all residents of Riga, regardless of nationality, renaming it Šmerļa Cemetery.
During the summer of 1990, a memorial stele was erected on the grounds in honor of Žanis and Johanna Lipke, who saved more than fifty Jews during the war (sculptor Leja Novoženec).
After Latvia regained its independence, the cemetery once again became exclusively Jewish.
The cemetery covers 14.6 hectares.
Address of the New Jewish Cemetery
The cemetery's coordinates on the map are: 56.988914, 24.208555.
Address of the cemetery:
Lizuma Street 4, Riga, LV-1006.
New Jewish Cemetery Contact Phone Number
For information, please call the funeral service
+371 2944 9849
Operating Hours of the Cemetery on Lizuma Street
- Summer (April 1 to October 31): 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM;
- Winter (November 1 to March 31): 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM;
- On Memorial Day and other commemoration days, the cemetery administration determines the opening hours.
Cemetery Administration Hours:
Sun - Thu: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM;
Fri - Sat: Closed.
How to get to the cemetery on Lizuma Street
You can get to the cemetery by bus: No. 8, 22, 44, 53.
Services of the New Jewish Cemetery
The Riga Jewish Cemetery offers burials and the placement of urns with ashes only in the graves of previously buried relatives.
Burial of relatives is possible without an additional fee, but partial dismantling and subsequent installation of gravestones is often required, which is paid separately.
Therefore, the final cost of services at the cemetery on Lizuma Street in Riga depends on the required scope of work and the conditions under which it is carried out.
How to obtain a plot at the Lizuma Street Cemetery
The cemetery offers plots for the burial of coffins and urns in earlier burials. Reinterments in coffins can only occur twenty years after the previous burial, while there is no time limit for urns.
Obtaining a burial permit
The Riga cemetery offers reburials in available graves. To arrange a reburial, you must obtain special permission from the Lizuma Street Cemetery administration, providing original death certificates and proof of relationship with the deceased.
Funeral arrangements at the New Jewish Cemetery in Riga
THE CITY FUNERAL SERVICE provides a full range of funeral services at the local Jewish cemetery. You can call us 24/7 for a free consultation at +371 2944 9849.
Funeral services at New Jewish Cemetery (Šmerļa)
How much does a funeral at New Jewish Cemetery (Šmerļa) cost
All essential services for cremation
Optimal set of goods and services for cremation
Extended cremation set with farewell in the hall
All essential services for burial
Optimal set of goods and services for burial
Extended burial set with farewell in the hall
Funeral plans may be subject to adjustment.
Changing the funeral plan will allow for a more personalized and meaningful farewell ceremony that reflects the uniqueness and importance of the deceased to their loved ones and community.
Client reviews
We contacted the Riga City Funeral Service—the staff was attentive and promptly processed all the necessary paperwork. The ceremony was organized with respect and appropriate level—without unnecessary formality, but with a dignified approach. Next time, I might clarify the details online, but overall, we were satisfied.
Excellent service during a difficult time: professional, personable, and calm. The staff helped with all the paperwork and offered advice on how to best organize the funeral. I recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and discreet service.
What are the opening hours of New Jewish Cemetery (Šmerļa)?
In summer (1 April–31 October) 7:00–21:00, in winter (1 November–31 March) 8:00–18:00. The cemetery administration works Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00–16:00.
Can I get a new burial plot at New Jewish Cemetery (Šmerļa)?
Most Riga cemeteries are closed to new burials — burial in family graves is allowed: a coffin no earlier than 20 years after the previous burial, with no time limit for an urn. The Riga City Funeral Service will clarify the exact conditions by phone +371 2944 9849.
How much does a funeral at New Jewish Cemetery (Šmerļa) cost?
The cost depends on the scope of services. The Riga City Funeral Service arranges funerals within the VSAA allowance — get an individual quote by phone +371 2944 9849.
Who can arrange a funeral at New Jewish Cemetery (Šmerļa)?
The Riga City Funeral Service handles the full arrangement: documents, hearse, grave preparation, the farewell ceremony and the monument.
Riga Cemeteries on the Map
