Opened in 1866 following a terrible cholera epidemic, then closed in 1958, the Dieweg Cemetery is today a necropolis where nature has reclaimed its rights. Located in Uccle, south of Brussels, it features forgotten tombs, sculptures hidden beneath brambles, and the graves of such luminaries as architect Paul Hankar and Tintin creator Hergé. Let’s take a journey of discovery.
History and memory of the Dieweg Cemetery
Built after the health crisis of 1866, the Dieweg Cemetery welcomed Uccle residents when other cemeteries closed, quickly reaching saturation point. Abandoned in 1958, it has never completely ceased to be used. A few ceremonies still take place there, even recently, to honor certain illustrious Brusselois. Among them, Hergé, the emblematic figure of Belgian comics, is laid to rest here.
The richness of the site lies not only in the names engraved on the steles. The site also reflects a veritable history book of Belgian funerary architecture. As you stroll along its ivy-clad paths, you’ll admire a mix of styles, from neo-Gothic to modernist monuments, with chapels, columns, arches and mausoleums testifying to the eras traversed between the late 19th century and the 1950s. In addition, recent initiatives have sought to protect and restore some remarkable burial sites.
An atmosphere unique to Brussels
It’s not just history that attracts so many visitors. The Dieweg Cemetery has a striking atmosphere. On a dark day, its deserted alleys evoke a post-apocalyptic scene. In the rain, the place becomes melancholy, while the sun lends it an almost poetic glow. Each walk offers a new setting, as if time itself were suspended.
This blend of oblivion, memory and nature makes this “Brussels Père Lachaise” an incomparable place in Brussels. By venturing into this vegetal labyrinth, you enter a space where nature and human memory now live together, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re planning to visit the Dieweg Cemetery, be sure to do so in a calm and caring manner, with full respect for the deceased.
Whether you come for an unusual stroll or to meditate on the passing of time, the Dieweg Cemetery is a place to visit at least once in your life.
📍Address: Dieweg 95, 1180 Uccle