Top 7 Largest Cemeteries In The World

Cemeteries, often referred to as necropolises or memorial parks, are sprawling and expansive final resting places for the departed. These burial grounds serve as the eternal abodes for countless individuals from various walks of life and cultures, offering a tangible connection to our collective history and mortality.

Found in cities and towns across the globe, these necropolises are more than just burial sites; they are cultural landmarks and open-air museums, reflecting the unique customs, beliefs, and social values of the communities they serve.

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In some cases, large cemeteries have evolved into significant tourist attractions, drawing visitors from far and wide who seek to witness the artistic sculptures. Here we would like to share with you the top 7 largest cemeteries in the world.

7. Spring Grove Cemetery (733 Acres)

Spring Grove Cemetery, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the largest and most historic cemeteries in the United States. Spanning over 733 acres, this grand burial ground has been serving as a final resting place for the departed since its establishment in 1845.

Designed as a "rural cemetery" during the Victorian era, Spring Grove was intended to provide a peaceful and contemplative space for mourners and visitors alike. The cemetery's landscape was carefully planned, featuring winding roads, picturesque lakes, mature trees, and beautifully landscaped gardens, creating a serene environment that offers solace and reflection.

 It boasts an impressive collection of mausoleums, tombstones, and sculptures, many of which were crafted by renowned artists and architects. The cemetery's architecture and art represent various styles, including Gothic Revival, Neoclassical, and Egyptian Revival.

6. Karacaahmet Cemetery (750 Acres)

Karacaahmet Cemetery, also known as Karacaahmet Mezarlığı in Turkish, is one of the largest and most historic cemeteries in Istanbul, Turkey. Located in the Üsküdar district on the Asian side of the city, this cemetery holds immense cultural, religious, and historical significance for the people of Istanbul and the broader Turkish community.

Dating back over five centuries, Karacaahmet Cemetery is a repository of the city's rich past. Its origins can be traced to the Ottoman period, making it one of Istanbul's oldest continuously active cemeteries.

This cemetery spans 750 acres of land and it has become the final resting place for countless individuals from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural nature of the city.

5. Rookwood Cemetery (780 Acres)

Rookwood Cemetery, located in Sydney, Australia, is the fifth largest and one of the oldest cemeteries in the Southern Hemisphere. Spanning over 314 hectares (780 acres), this sprawling necropolis is a place of immense cultural, historical, and artistic significance for the city and the nation.

Established in 1867, Rookwood Cemetery was created to address the shortage of burial space in Sydney during the mid-19th century. Its name comes from "Rook Wood," the original name of the area, which was derived from the local term "rook," referring to the native Australian tree species known as "Casuarina" or "she-oak".

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As a "garden cemetery," Rookwood was designed with careful consideration for both burial needs and aesthetic appeal. The vast grounds are divided into various denominational and cultural sections, reflecting the multicultural nature of Australia.

4. Ohlsdorf Cemetery (966 Acres)

Ohlsdorf Cemetery, known as "Friedhof Ohlsdorf" in German, is one of the largest rural cemeteries in the world and a cultural landmark located in the city of Hamburg, Germany. Spanning over an astonishing 966 acres (391 hectares), this sprawling necropolis is not just a burial ground but a unique combination of a cemetery, park, and open-air museum.

Established in 1877, Ohlsdorf Cemetery was designed by architect Wilhelm Cordes and landscape architect Wilhelm Benque. Its creation was inspired by the concept of a garden cemetery, which aimed to provide a peaceful and scenic final resting place for the deceased.

Ohlsdorf Cemetery's landscape is a harmonious blend of lush greenery, meandering paths, and picturesque bodies of water, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere for visitors.

3. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery (982 Acres)

Credit: Route 66 Association of Illinois

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, situated in Elwood, Illinois, is a distinguished and vast resting place that pays homage to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Established in 1999, the cemetery is a part of the National Cemetery Administration, operating under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Spanning over 982 acres of pristine land, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for military veterans and their eligible family members. The name of the cemetery itself carries significant historical weight, honoring the nation's 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, who is revered for his leadership during one of the country's most trying periods, the Civil War.

In addition to the traditional burial areas, the cemetery features a columbarium, where cremated remains can be interred in niches, providing a respectful and lasting memorial for those who chose cremation.

2. Calverton National Cemetery (1,045 Acres)

Calverton National Cemetery, located in Calverton, New York, is the largest national cemetery in the United States and the second-largest cemetery in the world. As a part of the National Cemetery Administration, under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Calverton National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for thousands of military veterans and their eligible family members.

Established in 1978, the cemetery covers approximately 1,045 acres of land on the eastern end of Long Island. Its serene and meticulously maintained grounds provide a peaceful and dignified setting for the burial of those who have served the nation with honor and valor.

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The cemetery's "Avenue of Flags," a striking display of American flags, adorns the main entrance during special occasions, paying tribute to the fallen heroes who rest within its hallowed grounds.

1. Wadi-us-Salaam (1,485 Acres)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Wadi-us-Salaam, which translates to "Valley of Peace," is an awe-inspiring and vast cemetery in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq. It is the largest cemetery in the world and holds immense cultural, historical, and religious significance for millions of Shia Muslims around the globe.

Stretching over an astonishing 1,485 acres (6 square kilometers), Wadi-us-Salaam is believed to be the final resting place for millions of individuals who have been laid to rest over the centuries. The cemetery has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with some accounts suggesting that it has been used for over 1,400 years.

The cemetery's sheer size and its ongoing use as a burial ground contribute to its continuous expansion, with new graves being added every day. Wadi-us-Salaam is not only a resting place for ordinary individuals but also a burial site for many revered religious figures, scholars, and dignitaries of the Shia Islamic faith. 

Among them is the mausoleum of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin, and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Imam of the Shia Muslims.

Source:

• Mynewshub

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