Baroque cemetery in Střílky

The Baroque cemetery in Střílky is one of the most unusual sepulchral monuments in Moravia — a square, walled burial ground with an elaborate sculptural program, built at the initiative of the Petřvaldský family in the first half of the 18th century. It stands in the small town of Střílky in the Kroměříž District, in the Zlín Region, and has drawn admirers of Baroque art and regional history for decades.

How did the Baroque cemetery in Střílky come to be?

The idea originated in 1724, when Milota Ferdinand Petřvaldský stipulated in his will that a family burial chapel be built. The plan was carried out by the next owner of the Střílky and Tovačov estates, Amand Antonín Petřvaldský. Construction ran from 1730 to 1743, and the finished complex covered an area of roughly 2,000 square meters, laid out on a near-square plan. The cemetery was formally consecrated on 12 May 1743 and subsequently opened to residents and visitors.

Who created the cemetery's sculptures?

The sculptural decoration was the work of the Moravian sculptor Gottfried Fritsch, regarded as one of the more significant figures in the region's Baroque sacred art. His work covers the enclosing walls and gateways of the cemetery, featuring angels alongside allegorical figures representing virtues, good deeds, and the seven deadly sins. This iconographic program was meant to remind visitors of mortality and the moral dimension of human life — a theme common to Counter-Reformation funerary art of the period.

What is there to see on site?

The cemetery's layout is built around a walled perimeter containing niches and recesses that hold graves and relief carvings. Together these elements form a tightly unified architectural and sculptural composition, rarely found on this scale outside major urban centers. What stands out most to visitors is the contrast between the plain, solid stone architecture and the rich, symbolic figural decoration — a combination that sets Střílky apart from other Baroque burial grounds in Moravia.

How has the monument been preserved over the centuries?

The site has survived through the centuries, though not without the need for ongoing conservation work. A thorough reconstruction took place in 1957–1958. A key role in saving the cemetery was played by Marie Skřítková, who secured 20 million Czech crowns in funding for the repairs, allowing the monument to remain in good condition to this day. The cemetery holds the status of a national cultural monument and is regarded as one of the most valuable examples of Baroque architecture and sacred sculpture in the Czech Republic.

Is the cemetery open to visitors today?

Yes — the site functions as a tourist attraction and is open for visits. Visitors can walk along the sculpted perimeter wall and explore the interior of the complex, taking in both the historical background and the artistic value of the place.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Baroque cemetery in Střílky built? Construction took place between 1730 and 1743, and the cemetery was consecrated on 12 May 1743.

Who commissioned the cemetery? It was initiated by Milota Ferdinand Petřvaldský through his 1724 will and completed under Amand Antonín Petřvaldský.

Who made the cemetery's sculptures? The sculptural decoration was created by the Moravian sculptor Gottfried Fritsch.

Is the cemetery a protected monument? Yes, it holds national cultural monument status and underwent a major reconstruction in 1957–1958.

How large is the cemetery? It covers approximately 2,000 square meters and follows a near-square layout.