Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in Bytom

The Mater Dolorosa Cemetery on Piekarska street in Bytom is an active Roman Catholic cemetery, managed by the Holy Trinity parish. It consists of two parts: Mater Dolorosa I was opened in 1868, and Mater Dolorosa II in 1886.

How it came about

The origins of the parish cemetery go back to the 17th century. In the second half of the 19th century, as the town grew rapidly with industry, the cemetery by the town walls ran out of space. A plot between Kraszewskiego and Piekarska streets was therefore designated, and in 1866 the ground for the new necropolis was blessed.

What to see here

The avenues are lined with old trees. The most interesting part is by the west wall, where there are burial chapels and gravestones of 19th-century Bytom families. In the first part stands a neo-Gothic cemetery chapel from 1882, designed by the Viennese architect Hugo Heer. The fence is also historic. The cemetery is listed in the heritage register together with individual tombs and chapels.

People connected with the history of the town are buried here, among them the architect Paul Jackisch, the Lord Mayor Georg Brüning, the priest and poet Norbert Bonczyk, the folk writer Józef Gallus and Poland national team footballers, including the goalkeeper Edward Szymkowiak. On the initiative of the Society of Friends of Bytom, the chapels of the Schastok and Peikert families, among others, and several tombs were restored.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Piekarska 71 (part I) and 75 (part II), Bytom.
• This is an active cemetery, so quiet and composure are expected.
• Nearby lies Franciszek Kachla Town Park.