The pressing device serves for the relative axial movement of two parts, which are arranged coaxially with respect to one another and are moveable relative to one another only by high pressing power. The pressing device has one fixed pressure plate and one pressure plate which is moved axially by hydraulic cylinders and an insert which is to be placed around the parts which are to be pressed. The insert is held closed by means of a closure door which is articulatedly mounted on the moving part of the pressing device. The pressure cylinders are arranged as close as possible to the center of pressure, that is to say to the axis of the parts which are to be pressed.