Pardubice krematorium - kolumbarium

Imagine a building that looks less like a place of mourning and more like a fairy-tale oriental palace. This is exactly what the Pardubice Crematorium looks like — a unique architectural masterpiece located in the city of Pardubice. Built in the early 1920s according to the design of the famous Pavel Janák, this structure is a brilliant example of Rondocubism, also known as "Czech Art Deco."

Pardubice Crematorium and Columbarium. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The building impresses with its ornate facade featuring a triangular pediment and rich ornamentation. It is recognized as a national cultural monument and is considered one of the most unusual attractions that Czechia takes pride in. Above the main entrance sits the philosophical inscription "I live – and you shall live also," emphasizing the unique spiritual atmosphere of this place.

The memorial complex includes not only the building itself with its monumental staircase but also a columbarium harmoniously integrated into the landscape of the city cemetery. This site attracts not only architecture buffs but also film fans, as key scenes of the famous Czech film "The Cremator" were filmed here.

For further details about your visit or to get up-to-date information on the memorial complex's operations, you can use the official contact details below.

The main activity here is aesthetic contemplation. Visitors come to admire the unique forms of Czech Art Deco, view the round stained-glass windows, and see the monumental staircase. Don't forget to look at the allegorical sculptures of girls at the entrance — their figures symbolize a solemn and warm welcome of souls into the next world.

For those interested in film history, inspecting the ovens in the hall, which were used as sets for the legendary film "The Cremator," will be a special highlight. Although they are now closed, simply being in the place where a masterpiece of world cinema was created creates a special atmosphere.

A walk through the central cemetery of Pardubice can also be educational. Here, you can see genuine works of art on tombstones created by talented Czech sculptors, turning a simple visit into a kind of open-air museum tour.

Getting to this architectural landmark is easy, as the city of Pardubice is a major transport hub. It is located approximately 120 kilometers from Prague, and these cities have been connected by a direct railway line since the mid-19th century. A comfortable train will take you from the capital to your destination in about 1.5–2 hours.

The crematorium itself is located within the central city cemetery. From the Pardubice main railway station, you can take a taxi or use local buses heading towards the Pardubice V district. A straight road leads from the cemetery's main gate to the two-story building, making it impossible to get lost.

The history of this extraordinary place began in 1918, when the practice of cremation was first officially recognized in Czechia. A design by the young Pavel Janák won the architectural competition. Construction took place from 1921 to 1923, and the result exceeded all expectations: the building became not just a utilitarian facility, but a true manifesto of a new style.

Interestingly, Janák's design combined elements of Slavic mythology with the forms of early Christian basilicas. Despite this, at the time, the building faced harsh criticism from some art historians who found its appearance too eccentric for such a somber place. Over time, the controversies faded, and today the site is recognized as a national cultural monument.

Cinema brought international fame to the crematorium. In 1968, director Juraj Herz chose these interiors to film his cult classic "The Cremator". The film was nominated for an Academy Award, and its unique Art Deco sets were forever etched into world cinema history, making the building in Pardubice recognizable far beyond the country's borders.

Tourists usually find 30 to 60 minutes sufficient to leisurely view the crematorium building from the outside, appreciate its unusual decor, and walk through the adjacent central cemetery grounds. This is plenty of time for thoughtful contemplation of the architecture and for taking striking photographs.

If you are a cinema enthusiast or a student of Czech Rondocubism, you might need a bit more time to study the fine details of the facade and the sculptural groups decorating the monumental staircase. Overall, a visit to this site fits easily into a short stop in the city.

The crematorium and the central cemetery grounds are generally open to the public daily. You can visit any day of the week, including weekends, between 07:00 and 20:00.

As this is an active facility, visitors are encouraged to show respect for ongoing ceremonies and the quiet nature of the site. To check for any changes in the schedule or access times to the interior rooms, it is recommended to visit the official website of the management company.

A visit to the crematorium can be combined with exploring other interesting sites in the city. A walk through the surrounding areas will allow you to switch to lighter impressions and discover the multifaceted culture of this region.