Dieweg Cemetery

Dieweg Cemetery is one of Brussels' most striking hidden corners — a forgotten burial ground in the municipality of Uccle that nature has almost entirely reclaimed. For travelers looking for something beyond the usual museums and squares, this site offers a walk through a dense, overgrown forest of tombstones where the city's history intertwines with wild vegetation.

Where did this cemetery come from?

The cemetery was established in 1866, when Brussels urgently needed new burial grounds for victims of a cholera epidemic after other city cemeteries had reached capacity. Ten years later, following the closure of the cemetery in Saint-Gilles, Dieweg also became the main burial site for the city's Jewish community. It remained in use until 1958, when space finally ran out and burials were transferred to the larger, nearby Verrewinkel cemetery.

Why is it worth visiting?

Since its closure in 1958, Dieweg has been left to nature — and that is exactly what makes it so distinctive. Trees, ivy, and wild shrubs have wrapped themselves around the gravestones, creating something like an urban jungle filled with sculptures, crosses, and Art Nouveau monuments. This isn't neglect in a negative sense — it feels more like a deliberately preserved reserve where funerary architecture merges with its own ecosystem. The site is also one of the stops along Brussels' famous Green Walk (Promenade Verte).

What are the most notable graves?

The cemetery is known for its rich collection of Art Nouveau tombstones, dating from the turn of the 20th century through to the 1950s. Among them stands the grave of architect Paul Hankar, one of the pioneers of Brussels Art Nouveau, alongside monuments designed by Victor Horta — arguably the most celebrated Art Nouveau architect in history, and creator of the Stern family tomb. Walking along the paths, visitors can spot dozens of similarly crafted stonework pieces, many now partly covered in moss and creeping vines.

Who is buried here?

Among those interred is Belgian politician and feminist activist Isabelle Gatti de Gamond, along with other figures tied to Brussels' intellectual and artistic life at the turn of the 20th century. As a former burial ground for the city's Jewish community, the cemetery also holds numerous graves marked with distinctive Hebrew inscriptions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dieweg Cemetery still in use? No — burials ended in 1958, and the site today functions purely as a historical and natural attraction, open for visitors.

Is there an entrance fee? The cemetery is publicly accessible and free to visit during opening hours.

How long does a visit take? A leisurely walk through the grounds, taking in the tombstones and greenery, usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Is it a good spot for photography? Yes — the dense vegetation, weathered stone graves, and dappled light filtering through the trees make it a favorite among photographers looking for atmospheric, unusual shots.

How do you get to Dieweg Cemetery? It's located in the municipality of Uccle in southern Brussels, reachable by public transport and marked as a stop along the Promenade Verte trail.