Prague Cemeteries: List, Hours & Points of Interest

There is a large number of cemeteries and burial grounds in Prague – some of them are used and in operation, others are unused historical objects. The owners of Prague cemeteries include the state, the city of Prague, individual churches (Roman Catholic, Jewish), and also natural or legal persons. The total number of cemeteries in Prague is difficult to determine, some sources state up to 70 cemeteries. From a historical point of view, there are more cemeteries in Prague.

Prague cemeteries

The Prague Cemetery Administration currently manages 29 cemeteries and burial grounds, the remaining cemeteries are managed by the city or other owners. You can see their locations on this map (from the website hrbitovy.cz):

Cemeteries falling under the Prague Cemeteries Administration are divided into 4 categories, according to amenities and services provided:

• Cemeteries of the 1st category – cemeteries that have permanent service and where tombs, graves, urn sites, columbaria, scattering meadows and a ceremonial hall are located
• Cemeteries of the 2nd category – cemeteries with permanent service
• Cemeteries of the 3rd category – cemeteries without permanent service
• Cemeteries of the 4th category – cemeteries that no longer fulfill their function

Read more about the most famous Prague cemeteries:

• Olšany Cemetery
• Strašnice Cemetery
• Motol Cemetery
• Vinohrady Cemetery
• Olšanské hřbitovy
• Strašnický hřbitov
• Motolský hřbitov
• Vinohradský hřbitov

List of cemeteries and their owners

If you are interested in a complete list of Prague cemeteries, you can take a look at the interactive map on the website pohrebiste.cz interaktivní mapu na webu pohrebiste.cz, where you can also find details such as a list of cemetery owners.

List of Prague cemeteries on Wikipedia
Seznam pražských hřbitovů na webu Wikipedia

Opening hours of Prague cemeteries

Opening hours at cemeteries managed by the Prague Cemeteries Administration:
January–February: 8:00–17:00
March–April: 8:00–18:00
May–September: 8:00–19:00
October: 8:00–18:00
November–December: 8:00–17:00

During All Souls’ Day, the opening hours of these Prague cemeteries are extended, but it is recommended to check with the Prague Cemeteries Administration for the correct information. In the event of a hurricane, ice storm or other emergency situation, the cemeteries will be closed for the safety of visitors.

Interesting historical cemeteries

Prague cemeteries can be considered not only as places of reverence for the last farewell, but also interesting historical spaces where you can visit valued historical objects, such as chapels and churches, monuments and graves of important personalities. Among the most visited places in Prague is the educational trail that leads through the Olšany Cemetery Olšanských hřbitovech. During this walk, you can visit up to 70 stops with information boards that will inform you about the interesting history of the cemetery.

Ďáblice Cemetery is another cemetery with an interesting history. It was built in a unique cubist style. It contains, for example, an honorary burial ground for victims of communist despotism from the 1950s and 1960s and a Forest of Memories.

The cemetery with the largest number of buried important figures is Vinohrady Cemetery Vinohradský hřbitov. You can learn about its history and present thanks to the guided tours that take place here 1-2 times a week. It is for free, but the capacity is limited to 20 visitors.

The Lesser Town Cemetery has also recently undergone revitalization. Don’t be fooled, despite its name, this cemetery is not located in Lesser Town, but in Smíchov – there was not enough space in Lesser Town to create a cemetery. There are many statues and interesting tombstones here, including the grave of Anička with a sculpture of a lying baby, which has become a local pilgrimage icon.

The most famous historical cemetery is the Vyšehrad Cemetery, which has been considered a national burial ground since the 19th century. Many important Czech personalities of the political, cultural and sports world were buried here.

Tips for more information:

A Walk Through Prague Cemeteries (website novinky.cz)
A Practical Guide to Prague Cemeteries (website praha.cz)
Article: The Melancholic Beauty of Prague Cemeteries (website prague.eu)
List of Historical Cemeteries (website cimiterium.cz)

Procházka po pražských hřbitovech (web novinky.cz)

Praktický průvodce po pražských hřbitovech (web praha.cz)

Článek Melancholická krása pražských hřbitovů (web prague.eu)

Seznam historických hřbitovů (web cimiterium.cz)

If you are looking for help or information regarding funerals, do not hesitate to contact PEGAS on the 24/7 hotline +420 800 176 423.

(Photo source: www.hrbitovy.cz)