View of Uspenskoe Cemetery in Saint Petersburg from 1875

Severnoe Cemetery (Saint Petersburg)

Severnoe Cemetery Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Saint Petersburg Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Severnoe Cemetery and Its Significance

Severnoe Cemetery (Северное кладбище), located in northern Saint Petersburg, is one of the city’s largest and most culturally significant burial grounds. Established in the mid-20th century to accommodate the growing population and urban expansion, Severnoe reflects the socio-cultural transformations of Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) during and after the Soviet era. Unlike the ornate, celebrity-filled cemeteries near the Alexander Nevsky Monastery, Severnoe embodies Soviet ideals of pragmatism and egalitarianism. Its orderly design and communal spaces offer a poignant lens into the collective memory of the city—particularly the resilience of its people in the aftermath of the Siege of Leningrad and World War II.

The cemetery’s extensive grounds feature Soviet-era funerary art, mass graves, and memorials dedicated to war veterans, victims of political repression, and notable citizens from various backgrounds such as scientists, artists, and public officials. More than a site of mourning, Severnoe Cemetery is a living record of Saint Petersburg’s 20th-century history and offers unique insights into the city’s everyday experiences and challenges.

This guide provides comprehensive information for planning your visit, including up-to-date visiting hours, ticketing and admission policies, accessibility, transportation options, visitor etiquette, guided tours, and nearby sites of historical interest. Resources and official links are provided throughout for further exploration (Saint Petersburg Historical Sites, UNESCO Saint Petersburg, Mass Grave No. 2 Photographs).

Historical Background and Development
Cultural and Social Significance
Architectural and Artistic Features
Severnoe Cemetery in Saint Petersburg’s Heritage
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Getting There
Visitor Guidelines and Etiquette
Guided Tours and Special Events
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Practical Tips for Visitors
Summary
References and Further Reading

Historical Background and Development

Severnoe Cemetery was established during the post-World War II expansion of Leningrad. As the city rebuilt and new residential districts emerged, existing burial grounds near the city center—such as those at the Alexander Nevsky Monastery—became overcrowded (saint-petersburg.com). Severnoe was planned as a large, modern cemetery to serve the northern districts, reflecting the Soviet approach to urban planning and collective remembrance.

The cemetery’s history is intertwined with the city’s 20th-century transformation. Communal mass graves, such as Mass Grave No. 2, bear witness to the suffering endured during the Siege of Leningrad and the immense cost of war (Wikimedia Commons). Over time, Severnoe became the resting place for thousands—including scientists, artists, and decorated military personnel.

Severnoe Cemetery is a vital communal space in Saint Petersburg’s memory landscape. Rather than ornate tombs, it features standardized monuments and memorials, symbolizing the Soviet emphasis on collectivism over individual distinction. Annual ceremonies on Victory Day (May 9) and the Siege of Leningrad anniversary (January 27) draw many visitors to the mass graves and memorial zones.

The diversity of the city is represented in the cemetery’s graves, with markers reflecting different ethnic, religious, and professional backgrounds. For many families, visiting Severnoe is a tradition that reinforces their connection to the city’s endurance and shared history.

Architectural and Artistic Features

The layout of Severnoe Cemetery is grid-like, with wide, tree-lined avenues dividing the grounds into numbered sections. While primarily functional, the cemetery contains striking examples of Soviet funerary art—modest headstones, family plots, and mausoleums adorned with red stars, hammers and sickles, military insignia, or Orthodox crosses.

Portraits on headstones, a tradition enabled by photographic technology, are common. Memorials to specific groups—such as war veterans and victims of repression—are marked with obelisks, plaques, and sculptures.

Severnoe Cemetery in Saint Petersburg’s Heritage

Cemeteries like Severnoe are crucial to understanding Saint Petersburg’s modern identity. While the city center is celebrated for its UNESCO-listed architecture (UNESCO), peripheral cemeteries provide insight into the lives of ordinary citizens and the collective experiences that shaped the city after the devastation of war and political upheaval.

Municipal authorities maintain the grounds and restore monuments. Interest in the cemetery continues to grow among historians and visitors seeking a deeper connection to the city’s past.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Summer (May–September): 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Winter (October–April): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Admission is free of charge for all visitors. Guided tours or special commemorative events may require advance booking and a fee.

Getting There

By Metro and Bus: The closest metro station is Prospekt Prosveshcheniya (Line 2, blue line). From there, buses 80, 84, or 123 stop near the cemetery entrance.
By Taxi or Car: Rideshare services like Yandex.Taxi and Uber are readily available. Driving from the city center takes approximately 30–40 minutes. On-site parking is limited during peak times.
By Bicycle: Cycling is possible for active visitors, with flat terrain and a distance of about 20 km from the city center.

(Saint Petersburg Metro)

Visitor Guidelines and Etiquette

Dress modestly and respectfully.
Maintain quiet on the grounds.
Photography of monuments and landscapes is permitted, but always avoid photographing mourners or ceremonies without consent.
Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the cemetery’s size and uneven terrain in some areas.
Remove hats when entering chapels or memorial zones.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided tours are available through local historical societies and municipal offices. These tours offer valuable historical and cultural context, focusing on significant graves and memorials. Major commemorative events occur on Victory Day and the Siege of Leningrad anniversary, drawing large crowds for public ceremonies.

Nearby Attractions

Pargolovo: A historic suburb with 18th-century palace, parks, and scenic riverside walks (mapcarta.com).
Levashovo Memorial Cemetery: Memorial to victims of Stalinist repression, with annual commemorative events (saint-petersburg.com).
Moloch of Totalitarianism: Modern sculpture near Levashovo, symbolizing the impact of authoritarianism (mapcarta.com).
Alexander Nevsky Monastery Cemeteries: Historic burial sites for notable figures such as Dostoevsky and Tchaikovsky (touropia.com).
Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery: The largest WWII mass grave site in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Severnoe Cemetery’s visiting hours?
A: Typically 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM in summer, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM in winter; confirm for holidays.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, entry is free. Guided tours or special events may require tickets.

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Main paths are paved and accessible, but older sections may be uneven.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but be respectful and avoid photographing mourners or during ceremonies.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local agencies or the cemetery administration by appointment.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Obtain a plot map at the entrance for navigation (viavistacemeterymappingservices.com).
Early mornings and late afternoons are best for photography.
Bring names and dates in Cyrillic when searching for specific graves.
Check weather conditions and dress accordingly.
Public restrooms and information kiosks are located near the main entrance.

Summary

Severnoe Cemetery is a profound site for those seeking to understand Saint Petersburg’s modern history and commemorative traditions. Its functional Soviet design, memorials, and serene landscapes offer a reflective atmosphere distinct from the city’s grand central monuments. With free admission, accessible transportation, and proximity to other significant sites, Severnoe is an essential destination for visitors interested in Russian cultural heritage.