Cemetery in Blansko

Cemetery in Blansko is a former municipal burial ground, no longer active, located in the eastern part of the town in an area known as Branky. Although it no longer serves its original function, it remains a meaningful trace of Blansko's history and a quiet, historically valuable stop for visitors interested in the heritage of the South Moravia region.

Where did this cemetery come from?

The oldest cemetery in Blansko dates back to the 12th century, when burials took place around the church in what is known as Old Blansko (Staré Blansko). This practice continued until 1830. By the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, the original cemetery could no longer serve the growing town — it had become too small and increasingly unsuitable for sanitary reasons. As a result, town authorities decided to establish a new cemetery on a plot of land in the area called Branky.

When was the current cemetery founded?

The new Roman Catholic cemetery was consecrated on February 23, 1834. The first person buried there was a Blansko resident named Stařecká. From that point on, the Branky cemetery became the town's primary burial site for decades to come.

How did the cemetery change over time?

As Blansko grew and its population increased, the cemetery had to expand as well. In 1902 it was enlarged, but despite this expansion it eventually became overcrowded and too small again. The density of burials, combined with hygiene and sanitary concerns, became a significant issue for town authorities in the first half of the 20th century.

Why were burials discontinued?

Due to health and sanitary concerns, further burials were officially halted on August 21, 1934. The decision was not accepted without dispute — numerous appeals were filed against it, and the matter was still under official review as late as 1936. The Branky cemetery was ultimately and definitively closed in 1956, bringing to an end more than a century of use as a burial site.

What should visitors know before visiting?

The cemetery sits in the eastern part of Blansko and today stands as a historical remnant of the town's earlier layout. It no longer serves an active burial function, but its history — from medieval origins near the church in Old Blansko, through its 19th-century heyday, to its closure in the mid-20th century — reflects the broader story of the town's development and the evolving sanitary standards of Central Europe.

Frequently asked questions

Is the cemetery in Blansko still active? No, burials were stopped in 1934, and the cemetery was definitively closed in 1956.

Where was the original cemetery in Blansko located? The oldest cemetery existed from the 12th century around the church in Old Blansko and was used until 1830.

When was the current Branky cemetery consecrated? On February 23, 1834, as a Roman Catholic cemetery.

Why was the cemetery closed? Due to overcrowding and the resulting health and sanitary problems, despite an expansion in 1902.