Begraafplaats Stuiverstraat

Begraafplaats Stuiverstraat is the largest municipal cemetery in Ostend, lying south of the city centre in the area between Ostend and the neighbouring district of Stene. Beyond its role as a burial ground, the site carries a layered history that stretches from the First World War to the present day.

How did the cemetery come about?

The cemetery was founded in 1918 on what had previously been swampy reclaimed polder land along the Stuiverstraat. Before settling on this site, the city council also considered land along the dike at Raversijde and pastureland in Bredene. The chosen plot, closer to the city, still needed extensive drainage and preparation before it could be used.

Why is it sometimes called the "New Cemetery"?

The very first burial took place in 1918: twelve-year-old Georges Thuyn. That event gave rise to a now largely forgotten local nickname, "Thuyntjes kerkhof". A different name proved far more lasting, however — 't Nieuw Kerkhof, or "New Cemetery", so called to distinguish it from an older burial ground that had already been in use along the Nieuwpoortsesteenweg.

How has the site developed over time?

In its early years the cemetery was poorly developed, lacking proper drainage on land that remained naturally wet. Over the following decades it went through repeated expansions and infrastructural improvements. Today it also includes a scattering garden and a columbarium, serving families who choose cremation.

What war graves can be found here?

The cemetery holds particular significance as a resting place from both world wars. Several dozen fallen Belgian soldiers from the First World War are buried here, alongside more than 400 British soldiers. Part of the grounds is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as the Oostende New Communal Cemetery, which contains 50 First World War graves as well as further burials from the Second World War.

Is there a Jewish section?

The cemetery also includes a dedicated Jewish burial section, forming an integral part of the wider grounds along the Stuiverstraat.

What monument honours the fishermen?

In 1937 a monument was unveiled at the cemetery in memory of fishermen who died at sea and whose bodies were never recovered. It consists of two columns inscribed with their names. In 1956 the monument was extended with two additional columns, adding further names of those lost to the sea.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the cemetery located? South of Ostend's city centre, in the area between Ostend and the neighbouring town of Stene, along the Stuiverstraat.

When was the cemetery established? In 1918, on land that had previously been swampy polder.

Can visitors see graves from the world wars? Yes — Belgian and British soldiers from the First World War are buried here, and the Oostende New Communal Cemetery section adds graves from the Second World War as well.

Does the cemetery offer cremation facilities? Yes, it includes both a scattering garden and a columbarium.

What monument is worth seeing on a visit? The monument dedicated to fishermen lost at sea, unveiled in 1937 and extended in 1956.