Olšany Cemetery
Central Europe’s largest burial ground, Olšany Cemetery spans 50 hectares across Prague and holds the graves of approximately two million people. Founded in 1680, it preserves outstanding Art Nouveau monuments and a national memorial to Allied soldiers and resistance fighters.
At a glance
Olšany Cemetery is the Czech Republic’s largest graveyard by area, covering more than 50 hectares. Its grounds contain thousands of architecturally significant tombstones spanning centuries of burial practice and memorial design.
History
Established in 1680, Olšany Cemetery has served Prague for over three centuries. The burial ground expanded as the city grew, eventually becoming the final resting place for approximately two million individuals from diverse backgrounds and periods.
What you see
The cemetery’s landscape is defined by its architectural monuments. Art Nouveau tombstones represent the most significant artistic collection, showcasing early-twentieth-century memorial design at its most accomplished. The grounds also feature the honorary burial zone dedicated to Allied armies and freedom fighters, designated a protected national cultural monument.
Cultural significance
Olšany Cemetery functions as both a repository of Prague’s social history and an open-air museum of funerary art. Its section honoring Allied soldiers and Czech resistance fighters holds particular importance as a symbol of national memory and international solidarity during the twentieth century’s defining conflicts.
Key facts
- Location: Prague 3, Czech Republic
- Area: 50+ hectares (120 acres)
- Founded: 1680
- Approximate burials: 2 million
- Coordinates: 50.080556°N, 14.470556°E
- Status: National cultural monument (Allied burial grounds)
Practical information & getting there
The cemetery is accessible by public transport in Prague’s district 3. Visit during daylight hours to appreciate the monuments fully. Respectful behavior and modest dress are expected in this active burial ground. Specific opening hours and access details should be confirmed before your visit.
Sources & resources
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