Olšany Cemetery Prague
Prague's largest cemetery, a vast and historic necropolis offering a peaceful, gothic escape with ornate graves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Olšany Cemetery Prague
Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Prague's largest cemetery, a vast and historic necropolis offering a peaceful, gothic escape with ornate graves.
"A quiet, vast, and eerily beautiful place to explore Prague's history and art."
🎯 Allow ample time
This cemetery is huge! You'll need hours to truly explore and appreciate its scale and beauty.
🚶♀️ Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven paths, so comfy footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grandeur of Olšany
The entire cemetery
Explore the largest cemetery in Prague, a sprawling necropolis with a rich history dating back to 1680.
Notable Czech Graves
Various sections
Discover the final resting places of significant Czech figures, marked by ornate and decorative headstones.
Gothic and Eerie Atmosphere
Throughout the cemetery
Experience the dark fairytale vibes and gothic aesthetic, especially on foggy days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Eerie Beauty
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Allow ample time
This cemetery is huge! You'll need hours to truly explore and appreciate its scale and beauty.
🚶♀️ Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven paths, so comfy footwear is a must.
🤫 Be respectful
Remember this is a place of rest. Keep noise to a minimum and be mindful of ongoing ceremonies.
📸 Capture the mood
The gothic architecture and serene atmosphere make for stunning, atmospheric photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Allow ample time
This cemetery is huge! You'll need hours to truly explore and appreciate its scale and beauty.
🚶♀️ Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven paths, so comfy footwear is a must.
🤫 Be respectful
Remember this is a place of rest. Keep noise to a minimum and be mindful of ongoing ceremonies.
📸 Capture the mood
The gothic architecture and serene atmosphere make for stunning, atmospheric photos.
🗺️ Get a map (if possible)
Navigating the vast grounds can be tricky; a map can help you find specific sections or notable graves.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Olšany Cemetery for its immense size, historical depth, and unique, peaceful, albeit sometimes eerie, atmosphere. It's a place that offers a quiet escape and a chance to appreciate intricate funerary art and the resting places of notable Czech figures. Some find it a bit overwhelming due to its scale, and the lack of facilities means planning ahead for refreshments.
"It's the main cemetery of Prague, it was created quickly to bury those who died in result of a plague. It became a regular cemetery later on and kept growing since. Has an older part with beautiful statues and a newer one with more modern type of graves. Worth seeing, entrance is of course free."
Ryodso
"This cemetery is absolutely stunning! There are areas that are a little more modern, but there are also sections with old mausoleums and gorgeous gravestones. There is even a little free library there between some of the graves! Something I also liked was that the cultural preservation organization (?) has put up little informational plaques in front of some of the graves of famous or otherwise important people. These signs are in Czech, so be sure to have a translation service on your phone if you don’t speak the language and want to read them on the spot. If you’re into the macabre, or need a lovely quiet place to take a stroll, I highly suggest making a visit here."
Ariel Moniz
"Vast and serene place with quiet pathways. Well marked with maps and highlighted graves of important and famous deceased people. You need to be mindful of the closing time as gates get locked after closing hours. You can easily spend hours circling there."
Viktor V
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Olšany Cemetery is accessible via public transport. Take tram number 5, 9, 10, 16, or 26 to the 'Olšanské hřbitovy' stop. The metro (line A) station 'Flora' is also a short walk away.
Yes, it's a prominent landmark. The main entrance is easily visible from the tram stop.
Limited parking may be available, but public transport is generally recommended due to potential traffic and parking challenges in Prague.
It's located in the Žižkov district, which has its own charm. While not directly adjacent to major tourist hubs, it's a worthwhile detour.
Consider arriving by tram to get a good view of the entrance and surrounding architecture.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main grounds of Olšany Cemetery is generally free. However, some specific mausoleums or exhibition areas might have separate admission fees.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, but it's typically open from early morning until dusk. It's advisable to check the official website or local listings for the most current times.
No, the general admission to Olšany Cemetery is free, making it an accessible historical site.
Yes, you can visit on weekends, but it might be slightly busier than on weekdays.
While not as common as for other Prague attractions, occasional guided tours might be offered. It's best to inquire locally or check for specialized tour operators.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To truly appreciate its size and atmosphere, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors spend half a day exploring.
It's known for its quiet, peaceful, and sometimes eerie or gothic atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the city's hustle. +1
Look for the graves of notable Czech figures, the historical sections, and the unique architectural styles of the mausoleums.
Absolutely! The gothic architecture, mature trees, and serene mood make it a photographer's dream, especially for atmospheric shots.
Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use, but always be respectful and avoid intrusive shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities within the cemetery itself. You'll need to find eateries outside the grounds.
The surrounding Žižkov district offers various local pubs and restaurants. The Flora area also has dining options.
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and water, but please ensure you dispose of any waste properly.
Expect traditional Czech cuisine in local pubs and restaurants, including hearty dishes and local beers.
While not designated picnic areas, you can find quiet benches to enjoy a packed lunch, provided you are respectful of the surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful light. Foggy days can create a dramatic, gothic atmosphere perfect for moody shots.
Atmospheric, gothic, and architectural photography are very popular, capturing the cemetery's unique mood and historical structures.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits. Always be respectful.
The grand mausoleums, tree-lined avenues, and older, weathered gravestones are particularly picturesque.
Tripods are usually permitted for personal photography, but it's wise to be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the interesting sculptures and the history of why cemeteries were created. It's a good opportunity to discuss life, death, and remembrance in a sensitive way. Pack snacks and water, as there are no facilities within the cemetery.
🖤 Goth and Dark Aesthetic Enthusiasts
+1Spend time exploring the different sections, appreciating the architectural details, and soaking in the unique mood. It's an ideal spot for atmospheric photography and quiet contemplation. The cemetery's historical depth adds a layer of authenticity to its dark allure.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers and Photographers
Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture striking images, from grand architectural shots to intimate details of weathered gravestones. The changing light throughout the day, especially during the golden hours or on misty mornings, can create truly dramatic and memorable photographs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Walking through Olšany is like stepping back in time. You'll encounter a diverse range of funerary art, from simple, weathered crosses to elaborate mausoleums and ornate sculptures. The sheer scale of the cemetery, with its winding paths and dense canopy of trees, contributes to its profound sense of peace and solemnity. It's a place where history is not just read about but felt, offering a unique perspective on Prague's enduring legacy.
For those interested in Czech history and culture, Olšany Cemetery offers a rich tapestry of stories. It's a place to reflect on lives lived and to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship dedicated to remembrance. The cemetery's gothic and sometimes eerie ambiance has also made it a subject of fascination for artists and filmmakers, adding another layer to its allure.
The Eerie Allure: Gothic Vibes and Photography
This unique ambiance makes Olšany a prime location for photography. Visitors often capture the atmospheric beauty, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow, the intricate details of the funerary art, and the overall sense of quiet grandeur. Photographers are drawn to the cemetery's ability to evoke a sense of mystery and timelessness.
When visiting for photography, consider the time of day. Early mornings and late afternoons can provide stunning golden hour light that softens the gothic elements, while midday can offer starker contrasts. The cemetery's vastness means you can find secluded spots for undisturbed shooting, but always remember to be respectful of the site and any mourners.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit