Whispers from the past. That’s what the Vokovický hřbitov seems to offer. Established in 1902 it served Vokovice and Veleslavín. It’s more than just a cemetery. It’s a historical archive carved into stone and etched in memory.
The Vokovický hřbitov holds the remains of notable figures. Václav Čtvrtek a beloved writer rests here. So does Václav Fiala a talented painter and illustrator. Docent PhDr. Vladimír Fiala a respected art historian and pedagogue from Charles University is also buried here. Even the family Holečkovi who ran the famous “U Holečků” garden restaurant in Horní Liboč are remembered within these grounds. Their family history in Liboč stretches back to 1520.
But the Vokovický hřbitov is more than just individual stories. It’s a reflection of history itself. After its founding it received the relocated remains from the demolished Libocký cemetery. The layout is irregular. Its longest side measures about 280 meters. It’s divided into two sections. The Vokovická section has ten divisions east of the entrance. The Veleslavínská section situated along the northern wall has three divisions and a chapel.
A scattering grove stands opposite the main entrance. Urn graves surround it. A memorial to the victims of the Prague Uprising in May 1945 stands against the northern wall. A poignant reminder of a pivotal moment in Czech history.
The cemetery’s unique Cubist fence is a work of art itself. Designed by architect Stanislav Hubička. It has metal gates by Josef Symon. This gate is part of a larger reconstruction of the former Lenin Avenue. This was between 1964 and 1972 between Kladenská and Velvarská streets. Several artistic works were created as part of this reconstruction. This includes “Meeting at the Well” by Bedřich Štefan. “Hollow Torso” by Aleš Grima. “Adam and Eve” by Zdeněk Šimek. “Couple” by Zdeněk Palcr. “Three Figures” by Miloslav Chlupáč. “Stone Flower” by Zdena Fibichová. And “Ascent” by Valerian Karoušek and Jiří Novák.
The Vokovický hřbitov isn’t just a place of rest. It is a living testament to the past. A place where art history and personal stories intertwine. It’s a place to reflect on lives lived and legacies left behind. A quiet sanctuary within the bustling city. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. Feel the weight of history under your feet. Remember the stories whispered from the stones of the Vokovický hřbitov.