Cemetery of Powązki

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Managed by Cemetery of Powązki

Angel from the tomb of Adamina Potocki Choloniewska; sculptor Pius Welonski 1907

Established in 1790 The Old Powązki is the oldest preserved and the most renowned necropolis in Warsaw, covering the extensive area of 43 ha. Within the church of Saint Charles Borromaeus and the catacombs, originally designed by the court architect Domenico Merlini, the cemetery stands as a National Pantheon – a burial site of many prominent figures, finding their final resting-place along the Avenue of Merit in the heart of the necropolis. The mass graves forming a silent tribute for those who fell during World War II and the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 reflect the wistful character of Polish history. You’ll find hundreds of heritage cemetery graves and chapel monuments including many outstanding works of sepulchral art, created by the greatest artists in a span of more than two hundred years. Along the avenues classic style sarcophagi blend in with iron cast neo-Gothic chapels, mysterious angels and mourners, ornamental tablets and sculpture portraits. Another aspect of the cemetery is the marvelous old trees beautifully complementing the whole scenario. Each year around the 1st November, which is All Saints Day, The Old Powązki cemetery is visited by thousands of people, who pay their love and respect to those who passed away. There is not a single grave without a flower or light. After dusk the whole cemetery shines with flickering flames refracting through the autumn fog.

Type of Cemetery:

Significant Cemeteries

calculated_country:

Poland