Bruges Central Cemetery

Centrale Begraafplaats Brugge (c) Visit Bruges Jan Darthet
The Central Cemetery in Bruges is the oldest in all of Belgium. This tranquil place, surrounded in greenery is the final resting place of numerous dignitaries. A place full of extraordinary pieces of heritage.

A green haven of silence

Past the handsome gatehouse of this cemetery, you step into a place of tranquillity. Wandering here through the greenery and surrounded by 200-year-old beech trees, you come across imposing gravestones and monuments. These were important status symbols for wealthy families in the 19th century. They exhibited their wealth even after death. On the tombstones, you can often recognise familiar names. The final resting place of the great Flemish poet Guido Gezelle is here, as well as those of numerous other artists, writers, architects and noble figures.

In a remarkable little building at the entrance to the cemetery, there is a small exhibition. This tells the stories of all the heritage, folklore, art and architecture associated with the site. Special chronicles in a unique place, within walking distance of the historic centre of Bruges.

Centrale Begraafplaats Brugge
Centrale begraafplaats Assebroek (c) Stad Brugge (3)

The oldest in the country

The Central Cemetery in Assebroek is the oldest in Belgium. It came into use at the end of the 18th century. Until then, the custom for centuries had been to bury people at a church. Emperor Joseph II put an end to that. For reasons of hygiene and health, cemeteries had to move away from the city. The city council bought this plot in 1787 and immediately put it to use. To this day, Bruges residents continue to be buried in this cemetery.

Practical information

Central Cemetery Assebroek: Kleine Kerkhofstraat 60, 8310 Bruges
More about opening hours, accessibility and other practical information can be found at Visit Bruges.

How to get to Central Cemetery Assebroek?

  • Make use of a bicycle rental point in Bruges city centre.
  • Or take bus 4 from Stationsplein in Bruges to bus stop Assebroek Sint-Katharina. From there, it is a walk of about ten minutes. The bus service runs several times per hour.