Landmarks

Powązki Cemetery

Stare Powązki is Warsaw’s oldest surviving historic necropolis and one of Poland’s most important cemeteries. Established at the end of the 18th century, it became a pantheon of people connected with culture, science, politics and the city’s history. Powązki Cemetery is not the same place as the neighbouring Powązki Military Cemetery.

Church, catacombs and architecture

The complex is closely linked to the Church of St Charles Borromeo. The foundation stone of the first church was blessed in 1792, based on a design by Dominik Merlini. When the small building could no longer serve the growing cemetery, it was rebuilt in 1891–1898 to plans by Józef Pius Dziekoński. The present three-nave church follows a Latin-cross plan, with a dome on a tall drum and two towers beside the façade.

A record of Polish history

Powązki is worth visiting for its funerary art: stone and metal tombs, sculpture and family chapels from different periods. The church and cemetery commemorate people connected with Poland’s history, while the parish complex also includes the Sanctuary of Those Killed and Murdered in the East.

How to visit

You can explore the cemetery independently; the parish also organises themed walks and free guided lessons for school groups. The 2025 regulations list opening hours of 7:00–20:00 in summer and 7:00–18:00 in winter. The management office at 14 Powązkowska Street is open Monday–Friday from 8:00 to 15:00. This is an active cemetery: keep quiet, stay on the paths, do not bring animals and respect funerals and mourners.