Saint Odile cemetery

Saint Odile Cemetery is the main cemetery of České Budějovice, located along Pražská avenue on the edge of the Pražské předměstí district, near Nemanice. It is both a working burial ground and a piece of the city's history, holding the resting places of many people who shaped local life, along with architecture dating back more than a century.

When was the cemetery built?

Construction was carried out by builders J. Stabernak and J. Hauptvogl between 1887 and 1889, under the direction of Jakob Stabernak. On June 30, 1888, a stone cross bearing the body of Christ was erected at the intersection of the two main pathways of the future cemetery — it remains a landmark on the grounds today. The new cemetery, or rather its first section, was solemnly consecrated on April 23, 1889 by Bishop Martin Josef Říha, and the very first burial took place that same day, marking the formal beginning of the site's history as a municipal cemetery.

Where does the name Saint Odile come from?

The name does not come directly from a parish or diocesan patron saint, but from a personal story tied to one of the city's mayors. In 1891, Mayor Josef Kneissl had the ceremonial hall converted into the Chapel of St. Otilia in memory of his late wife, Otilia. After that, the entire cemetery gradually came to be known by the chapel's name. It is a fairly unusual case: the name of an entire cemetery complex originating from a private act of remembrance rather than an administrative or church decision.

What can visitors see there today?

Saint Odile Cemetery today includes more than burial plots. The grounds house a crematorium with its own ceremonial hall, alongside the Chapel of St. Otilia that gave the site its name. The overall layout, planned in the 19th century, still follows its original design, with the main pathways crossing near the historic stone cross.

The cemetery has also long served as a place of memory for residents who played a significant role in the life of České Budějovice — a number of notable local figures are buried here, which makes the site of interest not only to those visiting family graves but also to anyone curious about the city's history.

Where exactly is the cemetery located?

The cemetery sits along Pražská avenue, on the edge of the Pražské předměstí district, close to Nemanice — an easily reachable part of the city, along the route leading from the center toward the outskirts. Its approximate coordinates are 48.9994° N, 14.4845° E.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Saint Odile Cemetery? It was built between 1887 and 1889, with its first section consecrated on April 23, 1889 — making it over 130 years old.

Why is the cemetery named after Saint Odile? The name comes from a chapel that Mayor Josef Kneissl had installed in the former ceremonial hall in 1891, in memory of his late wife, Otilia.

Is there a crematorium on the cemetery grounds? Yes, the cemetery currently operates a crematorium with a ceremonial hall, located near the historic Chapel of St. Otilia.

Where in České Budějovice is the cemetery located? Along Pražská avenue, on the edge of the Pražské předměstí district, near Nemanice.