Close to St. Peter’s Church in Jette, between grand avenues and majestic trees, lies a place where time seems to slow down. Nestled in greenery, the Cemetery of Jette feels though it has always belonged there. Timeless. 

Except it hasn’t... In the 12th century, this cemetery actually stood elsewhere, around the first St. Peter’s Church, on what is now Cardinal Mercier Square. Over the centuries, the church is damaged and then partially demolished in the 15th century. The cemetery, however, remains untouched. The dead are left to rest in peace. 

A second church is built. Once again next to the cemetery. But Jette keeps growing: streets become busier, buildings spread, and the need for a large central square increases every day. The church needs to move. 

A third church dedicated to Saint Peter arises a few dozen meters down the street. And this time, the cemetery needs to follow. Hundreds of graves are carefully transferred to their new resting place, behind the church. Since 1879, the cemetery has remained there. 

So next time you get off at Cimetière de Jette/Kerkhof van Jette, remember you’re not just passing a cemetery. You’re visiting a place that has quite literally moved with its community for more than eight centuries.