Central Cemetery in Szczecin
Zachodniopomorskie
Central Cemetery in Szczecin is the largest cemetery in Poland and the second largest in Europe, covering over 172 hectares. Founded between 1899 and 1900, it was designed initially by Wilhelm Meyer-Schwartau and later shaped by Georg Hannig. The cemetery combines multiple garden landscapes, intentionally designed to resemble a park rather than a crowded burial ground, featuring wide alleys lined with decorative trees, water reservoirs, hedges, and scenic viewpoints. Its neoromanesque main gate, built between 1901 and 1903, is a significant architectural landmark. The cemetery hosts over 300,000 burials, including a military quarter, a Jewish section-the only active Jewish cemetery in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship-and numerous monuments commemorating historical events such as the September 1939 heroes and victims of Stalinism. The site also contains a Dutch windmill repurposed as a garden shop. Despite wartime damages, including the destruction of a modernist chapel in 1943, the cemetery remains a vital cultural and historical site, providing a tranquil green space that honors the memory of Szczecin's past.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the cemetery during spring or early autumn when the park-like greenery is most vibrant. It is recommended to check opening hours in advance and consider guided tours to fully appreciate the historical monuments and architectural features. The cemetery offers a peaceful environment for reflection, so respectful behavior is expected. Tickets are generally not required, but some special events or guided tours might require prior booking. Discounts may be available for groups or seniors.
Interesting facts
- •It is the largest cemetery in Poland and second largest in Europe, spanning 172.33 hectares.
- •The cemetery combines multiple garden landscapes, designed to resemble a park rather than a traditional cemetery.
- •The main gate, built in neoromanesque style, is 77 meters wide and was designed by Wilhelm Meyer-Schwartau.
- •The cemetery includes the only active Jewish cemetery in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.
- •Numerous monuments commemorate historical events such as the September 1939 heroes, victims of Stalinism, and those lost at sea.
- •A Dutch windmill from the 19th century near the cemetery has been converted into a garden shop.
- •The cemetery suffered significant damage during World War II, including the destruction of a modernist chapel and the main gate, which was rebuilt without its original dome.
History
The need for a new cemetery arose after 1873 when small church cemeteries became overcrowded.
Szczecin's status change from fortress to open city allowed the allocation of agricultural land east of Gumieńce for this purpose.
The cemetery opened on December 6, 1901, with initial constructions including the main gate, administrative buildings, and a cemetery chapel completed by 1903.
By 1918, 57,000 burials had taken place, with expansions continuing westward after World War I.
A crematorium was added in 1925.
The cemetery suffered damage during World War II, notably the destruction of a modernist chapel in 1943 and the main gate in 1941, which was rebuilt by 1963 without its original dome.
Post-1945, it incorporated military and Jewish burial grounds, including a war quarter and a Jewish section.
Over 139,000 burials occurred from 1945 to 2000, reflecting the city's turbulent history.
Place Guide
Main Gate1901-1903
The neoromanesque main gate, constructed between 1901 and 1903 by Wilhelm Meyer-Schwartau, spans 77 meters in width. It originally featured a dome topped with a cross, destroyed during World War II and not rebuilt. The gate includes sculptural decorations by local artist Bolcke and connects to administrative and service wings. It serves as the iconic entrance and architectural highlight of the cemetery.
Eastern Section
The older eastern part of the cemetery features circular main alleys that follow the natural terrain, with green areas, water reservoirs, and viewpoints. This section includes many historic graves and monuments commemorating various historical events and figures.
Jewish Section
Located near Lipowa Avenue, this is the only active Jewish cemetery in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. It serves as a significant cultural and religious site for the local Jewish community.
Military Quarter
Situated on the main axis of the cemetery, this war quarter is dedicated to soldiers and victims of various conflicts, including those from World War II and earlier wars. It contains memorials such as the iron cross commemorating soldiers fallen in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71).
Contact
Phone: 91 484 82 94
