Oud Kerkhof, Historic cemetery in Hasselt, Belgium
Oud Kerkhof is a cemetery in Hasselt surrounded by high brick walls and ornamental gates with a central mortuary chapel in Neoclassical style. The grounds contain rows of gravestones arranged systematically along planted pathways and open green spaces.
The cemetery was established in 1796 after French regulations prohibited burials within city walls. It served as Hasselt's main burial ground until 1930, when newer burial sites opened.
The graves display different stonework and metal decorations that reflect the social standing of people buried here. These varied styles tell stories of families who shaped Hasselt across generations.
The site is easy to walk through with marked pathways that guide visitors around the grounds. Informational signs throughout help explain notable graves and the cemetery's historical aspects.
The original mortuary chapel from 1809 now functions as an information center, showing how this site shifted from an active burial ground to a historical memorial space. This transformation is visible in how the building is used and maintained today.
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