About this place
Olšany Cemetery in Prague (Olšanské hřbitovy) is the largest graveyard in the Czech capital and one of the largest cemeteries in Central Europe. It covers an area of more than 50 hectares (precisely 50.17 ha), a scale that turns a visit into more of an exploration of a sprawling network of alleys, sections and family plots than a quick stroll through a single small burial ground.
How did it grow so large?
The site's history goes back to 1679, when the first cemetery that would eventually become part of today's complex was established. Over more than three centuries of continuous use, the grounds expanded step by step until they reached their current size. That long, uninterrupted span of use is reflected in the estimate that around 2 million people have been buried at Olšany Cemetery since its founding – a figure that explains, better than the hectare count alone, why it is regarded as Prague's largest cemetery.
Why it matters
The combination of sheer scale and centuries of continuous burials makes Olšany Cemetery more than just a resting place – it stands as a kind of record of the continuity of Prague's community across generations. Its size (50.17 ha) puts it among the largest graveyards in this part of Europe, while the estimated 2 million burials underline how significant it has been, and remains, for the people of Prague.
The cemetery's coordinates (50.0806°N, 14.4706°E) place it well within the city limits, making it an accessible reference point for anyone interested in Prague's local history in a broader sense – a site that has accompanied the city's development without interruption since the 17th century.
Frequently asked questions
How large is Olšany Cemetery in Prague? It covers 50.17 hectares, making it the largest cemetery in Prague.
When was it founded? The first cemetery on the site was established in 1679, with the complex expanding over the following centuries.
How many people are buried there? Estimates put the number at around 2 million people buried since the founding of the first cemetery.
Is it the largest cemetery in Prague? Yes – by area, Olšany Cemetery is the largest graveyard in the city.
Where exactly is it located? Its geographic coordinates are approximately 50.0806°N, 14.4706°E, within Prague's administrative boundaries.
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