Was it a British specialist who breathed life into this somber ground? That’s right. Shusharskoe Cemetery owes its existence to Daniel Wheeler. He was an English expert in agriculture.
Shusharskoe Cemetery is located in Pushkinsky district. It covers 4.9 hectares. It was founded in the first half of the 19th century.
Wheeler significantly contributed to land reclamation in the Russian Empire. Emperor Nicholas I appreciated Wheeler’s work. He granted him perpetual use of land. Wheeler opened the cemetery on that land.
Originally, Shusharskoe Cemetery served the local Orthodox population. It also became a resting place for soldiers. These soldiers died in a military hospital. Doctors couldn’t save them.
Today, Shusharskoe Cemetery is a partially closed cemetery. New burials are limited. Only repeated burials are allowed. These burials can only be in existing family plots.
The cemetery is open daily. From June 1st to September 30th, it is open from 9:00 to 18:00. From October 1st to April 30th, it is open from 9:00 to 17:00. January 1st is the only day it’s closed.
At Shusharskoe Cemetery, burials of urns and coffins are possible. This is within family graves. This requires presentation of necessary documents. It also requires compliance with sanitary standards. These standards require 20 years between burials.
Prices for services at Shusharskoe Cemetery vary. They range from 10,000 to 50,000 rubles. The cost depends on the work volume and complexity.
The cemetery administration maintains order. They regularly clean the territory. They also remove garbage. At the entrance, you can find tools. These tools are needed to maintain the graves.
Today, a memorial plaque at the entrance reminds us of Daniel Wheeler. He was the British specialist. He founded Shusharskoe Cemetery. It stands as a final resting place. It also serves as a testament to international collaboration.