The Strašnice crematorium building is the largest of its kind in Europe. Its layout is based on the monumental Great Ceremonial Hall for up to 300 mourners. The neighbouring Baxa Small Ceremonial Hall is intended for more intimate funeral ceremonies. The hall is named after the mayor Karel Baxa (1862—1938), who was instrumental in building the crematorium in Strašnice. Work on the Constructivist building designed by architect Alois Mezera, including the design of the adjacent urn grove, began in the summer of 1929 and it was put into use 3 years later.