St Hedwig's Cemetery in Pszczyna

St Hedwig's Cemetery lies in the north-eastern part of the castle park in Pszczyna, on Chopina Street. Its origins go back to 1501.

How the cemetery came about

The cemetery was founded around a former branch church dedicated to St Hedwig of Silesia. Until 1939 an old wooden church stood in its western part, which burned down in the first days of the Second World War.

What to see among the graves

At the entrance stands a stone wayside figure from 1803. Gravestones from the 19th and early 20th centuries survive, a cast-iron cross with a fleur-de-lis at the top, and the brick crypt of Fr Walenty Hanuszek (1776-1833). Also laid to rest here is Princess Maria Dorota Henrietta Ludwika of Schleswig-Holstein (1783-1803), who chose burial in this cemetery instead of the family necropolis. Clergy connected with Pszczyna and the professor of mathematics Antoni Wakulicz are also buried here.

Practical information

• Location: the castle park in Pszczyna, Chopina Street.
• The cemetery is in use, so quiet and respect for those visiting graves are expected.
• After a walk you can see Pszczyna Castle, which is less than a kilometre away.