The 10 Largest Cemeteries in the World

The 10 Largest Cemeteries in the World

Posted: April 20, 2024 | Last updated: April 20, 2024

<p>Burial of the dead is an ancient practice that is still in place all over the world today, with some archaeologists believing that even Neanderthals buried their dead. This practice is widely held for various religious reasons, as well as a way to navigate decomposition issues, such as odors and the attraction of predators. Eventually, modern cemeteries were born. Cemetary stems from the Greek word meaning 'sleeping place.' This list covers the largest cemeteries in the world, in acres, and where you can find these sites of remembrance.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© David Parsons/iStock via Getty Images

The 10 Largest Cemeteries in the World

Burial of the dead is an ancient practice that is still in place all over the world today, with some archaeologists believing that even Neanderthals buried their dead. This practice is widely held for various religious reasons, as well as a way to navigate decomposition issues, such as odors and the attraction of predators. Eventually, modern cemeteries were born. Cemetary stems from the Greek word meaning 'sleeping place.' This list covers the largest cemeteries in the world, in acres, and where you can find these sites of remembrance.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>Crown Hill Cemetery is on 550 acres in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is a private cemetery housing veterans from the Civil War era up to Vietnam and is also the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/national_cemeteries/indiana/Crown_Hill_National_Cemetery.html#:~:text=The%20cemetery%20is%20the%20final,private%20cemeteries%20in%20the%20country." rel="noopener">burial site of presidents, notorious gangsters, and everyone in between</a>. This cemetery's first occupants were Union soldiers. It now hosts over 2,100 soldiers in its 215,000 graves.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© Ted Alexander Somerville/Shutterstock.com

10. Crown Hill Cemetery

Crown Hill Cemetery is on 550 acres in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is a private cemetery housing veterans from the Civil War era up to Vietnam and is also the burial site of presidents, notorious gangsters, and everyone in between. This cemetery's first occupants were Union soldiers. It now hosts over 2,100 soldiers in its 215,000 graves.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>Wiener Zentralfriedhof, or Vienna Central Cemetery, is approximately 618 acres and Austria's largest cemetery. The cemetery was built in 1874. It is home to Beethoven's grave, as well as those of other classical composers like Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms. This cemetery has over 300,00 graves and crypts of people from multiple religious denominations.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© fotofritz16/ via Getty Images

9. Wiener Zentralfriedhof (Vienna Central Cemetery)

Wiener Zentralfriedhof, or Vienna Central Cemetery, is approximately 618 acres and Austria's largest cemetery. The cemetery was built in 1874. It is home to Beethoven's grave, as well as those of other classical composers like Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms. This cemetery has over 300,00 graves and crypts of people from multiple religious denominations.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>Arlington, Virginia is home to Arlington National Cemetery. This giant plot of land spans 639 acres, though it began with just 200 acres in 1864. Presidents and soldiers alike have gravesites in Arlington National Cemetery, with 21 recipients of the Medal of Honor making this cemetery their final home.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© Orhan Cam/Shutterstock.com

8. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, Virginia is home to Arlington National Cemetery. This giant plot of land spans 639 acres, though it began with just 200 acres in 1864. Presidents and soldiers alike have gravesites in Arlington National Cemetery, with 21 recipients of the Medal of Honor making this cemetery their final home.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>The Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum is approximately 750 acres in Cincinnati, Ohio. It's one of the largest cemeteries in America with over 220,000 people resting within their beautifully landscaped grounds. This cemetery is dedicated to maintaining harmony with nature, hence the dedication to an arboretum on the cemetery grounds.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© Anne Kitzman/Shutterstock.com

7. Spring Grove Cemetery

The Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum is approximately 750 acres in Cincinnati, Ohio. It's one of the largest cemeteries in America with over 220,000 people resting within their beautifully landscaped grounds. This cemetery is dedicated to maintaining harmony with nature, hence the dedication to an arboretum on the cemetery grounds.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>Located on 750 acres in Üsküdar, Istanbul lies the 700-year-old Karacaahmet Cemetery. The cemetery has one million occupants across 12 distinct sections, each for a specific religion. Interestingly, some gravestones are so old you can see the Ottoman Turkish alphabet inscriptions.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© thehakanarslan/iStock via Getty Images

6. Karacaahmet Cemetery

Located on 750 acres in Üsküdar, Istanbul lies the 700-year-old Karacaahmet Cemetery. The cemetery has one million occupants across 12 distinct sections, each for a specific religion. Interestingly, some gravestones are so old you can see the Ottoman Turkish alphabet inscriptions.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>The Rookwood Necropolis in Rookwood, Australia is the largest cemetery in the Southern Hemisphere, covering over 775 acres of land. Nearly one million people have a burial site at this cemetery. Not only is this cemetery one of the largest, but its crematorium is also one of the oldest still in operation on the Australian continent.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / “Sydney (AU), Darling Harbour, King Street Wharf -- 2019 -- 2076-83” / CC BY-SA 4.0

5. Rookwood Necropolis

The Rookwood Necropolis in Rookwood, Australia is the largest cemetery in the Southern Hemisphere, covering over 775 acres of land. Nearly one million people have a burial site at this cemetery. Not only is this cemetery one of the largest, but its crematorium is also one of the oldest still in operation on the Australian continent.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>The Ohlsdorf Cemetery is the largest cemetery park in the world, comprising 966 acres. It is also one of the most elegant places. The gardens house a variety of flowers that add life and color to over a quarter million graves. This cemetery is a notable destination in Hamburg, Germany.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© Clarini/ via Getty Images

5. Ohlsdorf Cemetery

The Ohlsdorf Cemetery is the largest cemetery park in the world, comprising 966 acres. It is also one of the most elegant places. The gardens house a variety of flowers that add life and color to over a quarter million graves. This cemetery is a notable destination in Hamburg, Germany.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>The 982 acres of the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery are located in Elwood, Illinois. This is a fairly new cemetery with its establishment occurring in 1999. However, despite its large acreage, there is a 400,000-plot capacity. The cemetery houses people from all walks of life, from soldiers to singers and athletes.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© jcorman/ via Getty Images

4. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

The 982 acres of the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery are located in Elwood, Illinois. This is a fairly new cemetery with its establishment occurring in 1999. However, despite its large acreage, there is a 400,000-plot capacity. The cemetery houses people from all walks of life, from soldiers to singers and athletes.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>The United States is made up of 50 individual states, nearly all of which border one another (except for Hawaii and Alaska). It's located in North America and dominates the globe in military and economic power. Its culture influences others via several creative outlets, including movies and music.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock.com

3. Calverton National Cemetery

The Calverton National Cemetery is located in Calverton, New York. It is 1,045 acres with over 7,000 burials a year, making it one of the most active and largest national cemeteries in the world. This isn't any regular cemetery though; to be eligible for burial, the decedent must have been in the military and reached a minimum active-duty requirement. Additionally, one could not use this cemetery as their final resting place if they were dishonorably discharged.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>On 1,400 acres of beautiful hills and serene scenery is <a href="https://a-z-animals.com/articles/the-largest-cemeteries-in-the-united-states/?utm_campaign=msn&utm_source=msn_slideshow&utm_content=1325468&utm_medium=in_content" rel="noopener">North America's largest cemetery</a>. This cemetery is famous for its beauty and facilities. Built within the limits of Los Angeles County, this cemetery has many celebrities, athletes, and politicians within its grounds. However, the honor of spending eternity amongst such talent is not cheap, with one plot reaching up to $2,300.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© Stefano Politi Markovina/Shutterstock.com

2. Rose Hills Memorial Park

On 1,400 acres of beautiful hills and serene scenery is North America's largest cemetery. This cemetery is famous for its beauty and facilities. Built within the limits of Los Angeles County, this cemetery has many celebrities, athletes, and politicians within its grounds. However, the honor of spending eternity amongst such talent is not cheap, with one plot reaching up to $2,300.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>The <a href="https://a-z-animals.com/articles/the-largest-cemetery-in-the-world/?utm_campaign=msn&utm_source=msn_slideshow&utm_content=1325468&utm_medium=in_content" rel="noopener">largest cemetery in the world</a> is 1,485.5 acres and is home to over six million bodies! It's located in <a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/hsp/jurr/2019/00000013/00000002/art00006">Najaf, Iraq</a>, and holds great religious value with the gravesites of prophets and kings. It's possibly the most desirable place for burial for many Muslims around the world. Wadi Al-Salam is also one of the oldest cemeteries, reaching back about 1,400 years.</p><p>Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. <strong><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/AZ%20Animals%20US/sr-vid-7etr9q8xun6k6508c3nufaum0de3dqktiq6h27ddeagnfug30wka">Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page</a> and be sure to hit the <em>Follow</em> button here or at the top of this article!</strong></p> <p>Have feedback? Add a comment below!</p>
© Ziquan Ying/iStock via Getty Images

1. Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery

The largest cemetery in the world is 1,485.5 acres and is home to over six million bodies! It's located in Najaf, Iraq, and holds great religious value with the gravesites of prophets and kings. It's possibly the most desirable place for burial for many Muslims around the world. Wadi Al-Salam is also one of the oldest cemeteries, reaching back about 1,400 years.

Sharks, lions, alligators, and more! Don’t miss today’s latest and most exciting animal news. Click here to access the A-Z Animals profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!

Have feedback? Add a comment below!

<p>Don’t miss out on the latest stories from A-Z Animals—scroll up and tap the ‘Follow’ button!</p> <h3>Up Next:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://a-z-animals.com?p=1228122&utm_campaign=msn&utm_source=msn_slideshow&utm_content=1334210&utm_medium=more_from">Discover 6 Animals Associated with Ancient Egyptian Deities</a></li> <li><a href="https://a-z-animals.com?p=874746&utm_campaign=msn&utm_source=msn_slideshow&utm_content=1334210&utm_medium=more_from">Discover 7 Animals That Roam Atop Mount Sunflower — Kansas's Highest Point</a></li> <li><a href="https://a-z-animals.com?p=15637&utm_campaign=msn&utm_source=msn_slideshow&utm_content=1334210&utm_medium=more_from">The African Big Five</a></li> </ul>
© Ozbalci from Getty Images/ via Canva.com

Follow A-Z Animals!

Don’t miss out on the latest stories from A-Z Animals—scroll up and tap the ‘Follow’ button!

Up Next:

More for You

White House press secretary reacts to Princess of Wales cancer diagnosis

Friday’s White House briefing was unexpected in multiple ways

3 lies women have been told about their bodies, according to a female doctor

3 lies women have been told about their bodies, according to a female doctor

5 people explain what it actually feels like to die

5 people explain what it actually feels like to die

New York

Millions of New Yorkers May Be Planning to Leave

pressure washing house

13 Things You Should Never Pressure Wash

Close up coffee powder spoon 2 High quality beautiful photo concept,Romania

15 Genius Uses for Used Coffee Grounds Everyone Should Know About

McDonald's burger and fries

13 McDonald's Menu Items From The 1990s You Probably Forgot About

1973: Chevrolet Monte Carlo – Elegant Revamp With Muscle

The Coolest Car From the Year You Were Born (1945-1995)

'There is nothing there': Stephanie Ruhle exposes how economic insiders view Truth Social stock

'There is nothing there': Stephanie Ruhle exposes how economic insiders view Truth Social stock

An MQ-25 Stingray unmanned drone refuels a manned US Navy F/A-18 fighter in a history-making 2021 test. The MQ-25 could easily carry out other roles, if the Navy wants it to

The US Navy has an unmanned 5th generation carrier stealth jet. It could be a game changer

Doctor shares what happens to our bodies moments before we die

Doctor shares what happens to our bodies moments before we die

shutterstock_592639394

8 Places You Should Never Charge Your Phone

‘FBI' Showrunner Rick Eid to Step Down

‘FBI' Showrunner Rick Eid to Step Down

This Is How Long You Can Leave Butter On the Counter, According to Land O'Lakes

The Only Way You Should Store Butter, According to Land O'Lakes

Tick crawling on leaf

Sprinkle This On Your Lawn Soil To Keep Ticks At Bay

This type of supplement may increase heart disease risk, new study finds

This type of supplement may increase heart disease risk, new study finds

The 66-month sentence for Scott Miller, a Maryland man, narrowly eclipses two 63-month sentences the judge had previously handed down.

‘It can happen again’: Judge set to preside over Trump trial delivers her toughest Jan. 6 sentence to date

20 random things that are normal in Europe but weird in the US

20 random things that are normal in Europe but weird in the U.S.A.

Faucet Build Up Before And After Courtesy Stephanie Sisco Jvedit

How to Clean a Faucet Head to Get Rid of Buildup, According to the Pros

Owner of Jeep and Dodge Coldly Lays Off 400 Employees by Locking Them Out of Their Systems and Emails

Owner of Jeep and Dodge Coldly Lays Off 400 Employees by Completely Locking Them Out of Their Systems and Emails