cemetery in Lány

The Vašírov cemetery is a small rural burial ground on the northern edge of the municipality of Lány, in the Vašírov cadastral area of central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Despite its modest, everyday appearance, it holds the grave of one of the most significant figures in Czechoslovak history — Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the country's first president.

What does the Vašírov cemetery look like?

The cemetery has a rectangular layout measuring roughly 70 by 45 meters and is enclosed by a perimeter wall, a common feature of village cemeteries in this part of Bohemia. Its plain, orderly appearance stands in quiet contrast to the historical weight of the person buried there. Located just off a road on the outskirts of Lány, the cemetery is open to the public year-round.

What is the history of this cemetery?

An earlier burial site in the area was established in 1787, but it remained in use for only about fifty years. A new cemetery was then consecrated on the Vašírov cadastre in 1833 to serve both Lány and Vašírov. As the community grew, so did the need for space: the grounds were expanded in 1927, with a further enlargement carried out in the 1980s. These successive expansions trace the growing importance of the site to the local population over more than a century and a half.

Who is buried at the Vašírov cemetery?

The cemetery is best known as the final resting place of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, founder and first president of Czechoslovakia, who died at the nearby Lány Chateau, his presidential summer residence. Masaryk rests in a shared family grave alongside his wife Charlotte, his son Jan, his daughter Alice, and his granddaughters Anna and Herberta. This family plot has become a site of national remembrance, drawn to by Czechs honoring the memory of the country's founding.

Are commemorative events held here?

Yes — the Vašírov cemetery regularly hosts remembrance ceremonies, particularly around anniversaries connected to the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918. On these occasions, official delegations, local representatives, and ordinary citizens gather at the Masaryk family grave to lay flowers and pay tribute to the country's founding president.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Vašírov cemetery open to visitors? Yes, it is a public cemetery that can be visited independently at any time of year, with no reservation required.

Why is Masaryk buried here instead of in Prague? Lány served as Masaryk's presidential summer residence and held deep personal significance for him during his lifetime, which is why this modest village cemetery became his final resting place.

How large is the Vašírov cemetery? It occupies a rectangular plot of about 70 by 45 meters, enclosed by a wall, making it a relatively small and intimate burial ground.

Are there other notable graves besides Masaryk's? Yes, the same family grave holds his wife Charlotte, son Jan, daughter Alice, and two granddaughters, Anna and Herberta.