Cemetery in Hlubočepy

Hlubočepy Cemetery is a small but strikingly scenic burial ground in Prague's Hlubočepy district (Prague 5), set on the slope of Žvahov hill just below the Děvín hillfort, close to the railway line known as the Prague Semmering. For travelers looking beyond the usual city-center sights, it offers a quiet, green corner of the capital where local history and a peaceful suburban atmosphere meet.

When was the cemetery established?

The Hlubočepy Cemetery was founded and consecrated on 27 June 1897. It was built as a new burial ground for the residents of Hlubočepy, replacing an older churchyard cemetery that had served the community until then. When the new site on Žvahov opened, some tombstones and remains were transferred there from the old churchyard — a common practice of the era, when growing populations outgrew their original parish burial grounds.

What does the cemetery look like, and how big is it?

The cemetery has a regular, rectangular layout and covers an area of 0.51 hectares — compact enough to walk through in a short visit, yet large enough to convey a genuine sense of place. According to records from 2001, it held 967 burial plots, including 13 family tombs, 723 ground graves, and 231 urn graves. Its mortuary building, dating from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, still stands on the grounds today and remains one of the site's most distinctive architectural features.

Who is buried here?

Among those laid to rest at Hlubočepy Cemetery are members of the Herget family and relatives of Karel Hašler, the celebrated Czech singer-songwriter and composer known for his popular Prague-themed songs from the early 20th century. Because of these connections, the cemetery draws not only mourning families but also visitors with an interest in the cultural history of Prague's music scene.

What else is worth seeing on site?

Near the mortuary, by the northern wall, stands a memorial dedicated to the unnamed victims of war — a modest yet powerful reminder of difficult chapters in the district's and the city's past. It is this combination of intimate funerary architecture, historically significant graves, and a tranquil hillside setting that gives the cemetery its distinctly reflective character.

Where exactly is it located?

The cemetery lies in the Hlubočepy district, between Žvahovská and Ke hřbitovu streets, within the administrative area of Prague 5. It is managed by Hřbitovy a pohřební služby hl. m. Prahy, specifically the Malvazinky and Bubeneč cemetery administration, which also oversees several nearby municipal burial grounds.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hlubočepy Cemetery open to visitors? Yes, like most Prague municipal cemeteries, it is accessible during standard opening hours, though it primarily remains an active burial site rather than a conventional tourist attraction.

How does it differ from the nearby Zlíchov Cemetery? Both cemeteries sit in adjoining parts of Prague 5 and share a similarly local character, but Hlubočepy Cemetery was established in 1897 as a new burial ground replacing an older churchyard, while the neighboring cemetery has its own separate history and timeline.

Why is it worth a visit when exploring Prague 5? It appeals to travelers seeking an authentic, quiet spot away from the crowds, especially when combined with a walk up to the nearby Děvín hillfort and the scenic slopes of Žvahov.