Rakowicki Cemetery, Cemetery in central Krakow, Poland.
Rakowicki Cemetery sits near the center of Kraków and spreads over a wide area with paved paths between dense tree cover and small garden sections. Numerous stone monuments, crypts, and wrought-iron fences shape the appearance of the grounds.
The site was established in the early 19th century on land acquired from Carmelite monks and grew through several expansions to become the city's largest cemetery by the mid-20th century. War graves were relocated here from other sites after World War II.
The cemetery takes its name from the nearby village of Rakowice, which later became part of the expanding city. Gravestones and chapels display different artistic styles that reflect changes in Polish society over more than two centuries.
Paths are mostly easy to walk, though some sections lie away from main avenues and can be slippery after rain. A visit takes one to three hours depending on interest, as the wide sections require considerable walking distance.
A section in the northeast gathers graves of soldiers from the Commonwealth, which were consolidated after the war from several locations across Poland. Some older stone monuments show handcrafted details that are rare to find today.
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