Zemun Cemetery, Belgrade

Zemun Cemetery, located in Belgrade, on the picturesque Gardoš Hill, serves as a significant cultural and historical landmark within the city. Nestled within the old core of Zemun, this cemetery is bordered by Cara Dušana Street, Nade Dimić Street, Sibinjanin Janka Street, Grobljanska Street, and a staircase leading to Branka Radičevića Square. As a declared cultural monument, it encapsulates the rich history and diversity of the region.

The origins of Zemun Cemetery date back to the period post-1717 when Zemun was liberated from Turkish rule and became part of the Austrian Empire. Initially established for the Catholic population, the cemetery expanded by the late 18th century to include the Orthodox community, relocating the older Orthodox graveyard to the same location. Additionally, a Jewish cemetery was established here after 1739, marking it as a place of interdenominational significance.

Over the centuries, Zemun Cemetery has become the final resting place for a diverse array of individuals, including eminent local figures, artists, scientists, and soldiers. By the mid-20th century, the cemetery had reached its current size, and plans for a new cemetery were considered, although this expansion only materialized after World War II. Today, the cemetery still operates, primarily serving families with pre-existing burial plots.

The Orthodox section houses notable structures such as the protected endowment church of Saint Demetrios, erected by the merchant family Petrović-Hariš in 1876, and a chapel from the Spirta family dated around 1911. It also includes a monument commemorating Serbian soldiers from the 1914–1918 period, along with graves of significant historical and artistic value adorned with sculptures from renowned artists.

The Catholic portion of the cemetery contains a chapel from 1763, adorned with memorial plaques, and another stylized chapel from 1909 belonging to the Treščik family. Notable features include a Neo-Gothic crucifixion sculpture and the graves of nuns who contributed significantly to local hospitals and schools.

The Jewish cemetery at Zemun is one of the oldest in Serbia, continuously used since 1739. It features distinct stone memorials ranging from votive plates to modern tombstones, including that of businessman Gabriel Polgar from 1915.