“Rest in peace” takes on new meaning here. The Cimeti\u00e8re d’Anderlecht Begraafplaats van Anderlecht is more than a final resting place. It is a green space. It is a place of art. It is a testament to Anderlecht’s history.
The Cimeti\u00e8re d’Anderlecht Begraafplaats van Anderlecht officially opened on October 31 1954. But its story began long before. The first Anderlecht cemetery was near the Saints-Pierre-et-Guidon collegiate church. As the population grew a new cemetery opened in 1866 at Place du Repos. This is now the Parc Forestier.
By 1937 Anderlecht had 88000 residents. The Place du Repos cemetery reached its maximum capacity. The municipality acquired land in Vogelenzang. Construction of the Cimeti\u00e8re d’Anderlecht Begraafplaats van Anderlecht started in 1949. The project included an urban study of the surrounding area. The goal was to blend the cemetery with the neighborhood.
Today the Cimeti\u00e8re d’Anderlecht Begraafplaats van Anderlecht spans 18.8 hectares. A landscape architect designed it as a French-style park. Lawns meet the semi-natural Vogelzangbeek valley. This valley is a classified site.
The Cimeti\u00e8re d’Anderlecht Begraafplaats van Anderlecht has cultural significance. It preserves sculptures from the old cemetery. One notable work is “Les Fun\u00e9railles” by Maurice De Korte. The cemetery also features art nouveau and art deco funerary decorations.
In 2006 the Cimeti\u00e8re d’Anderlecht Begraafplaats van Anderlecht became multiconfessional. Parcels 49 and 51 allow Jewish and Muslim burials according to their traditions. This provides a respectful space for diverse communities.
The Cimeti\u00e8re d’Anderlecht Begraafplaats van Anderlecht embraces biodiversity. In 2014 the local government signed the R\u00e9seau Nature charter with Natagora. This commitment promotes ecological management. It made the cemetery the first in Brussels to do so.
Among those interred here is Patrice Braut. He was the sole Belgian victim of the September 11 2001 attacks. Raymond Vander Bruggen a former alderman is also buried here. Constant Vanden Stock the president of RSC Anderlecht rests here too.
The Cimeti\u00e8re d’Anderlecht Begraafplaats van Anderlecht is a unique place. It combines history art and nature. It is a peaceful space for remembrance. It also showcases Anderlecht’s commitment to its community and environment. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this special place.