Cemetery and Mausoleum of Martyrdom in Olsztyn (Silesian Voivodeship)

The Cemetery and Mausoleum of Martyrdom lies in the forest by the road from Olsztyn to Kusięta, at a place called “Szubienica” (the Gallows). It is a war cemetery where people shot by the German occupier in 1940-1945 are buried.

What this place was

The first people were shot here in June 1940, prisoners of the so-called AB Action. Among the victims were residents of Częstochowa and the surrounding area, prisoners, partisans and soldiers of the 3rd Brigade of the People's Army. About 1,968 people are buried here.

Layout of the cemetery

The site has 18 symbolic graves, a bas-relief showing a scene of execution and two monuments. One stands by the road, the other in the upper part of the cemetery, with the inscription “The nation will never forget them”.

Practical information

• Location: the forest by the road from Olsztyn to Kusięta, about a kilometre from Olsztyn Castle.
• Quiet and respect appropriate to a burial place are required. Check local information about access to the site and the care of the cemetery.