Cemetery in Kašperské Hory

The Cemetery in Kašperské Hory lies about 1.5 km east of the town centre, on raised ground around the Church of St. Nicholas. It ranks among the most significant sites of early medieval sacred architecture in southwestern Bohemia, while also functioning as a quiet historic burial ground well worth a short detour when exploring the area around Kašperk Castle.

What can visitors see here?

The centrepiece of the site is the three-nave basilica of St. Nicholas, whose construction began around 1315 and was completed around 1330. The church dates from a period when Kašperské Hory was a major mining town — nearby gold deposits fuelled the settlement's growth even before Emperor Charles IV founded the neighbouring Kašperk Castle. Despite various alterations over the centuries, the building has preserved a clearly legible medieval layout and counts among the most valuable historical monuments in the Šumava region.

Adjoining the church is the old cemetery with the Baroque Chapel of St. Anne, designed by the Prague builder J. Hager. The chapel stands at the highest point of the complex and is visible from much of the town below — its silhouette rising above Kašperské Hory is a familiar sight from several viewpoints on the surrounding hills.

Who is buried at the cemetery?

The cemetery carries a strong connection to the region's craft and cultural history. Local glassmakers are buried here — glassmaking was, for centuries, an industry that developed alongside gold mining as one of the economic pillars of the Šumava region. The grave of the mother and brother of Karel Klostermann, one of the most important Czech writers associated with the Šumava region, can also be found here; his work continues to shape the literary image of this landscape today. For anyone interested in regional history or Czech literature, this adds a layer of significance that goes beyond the architecture alone.

Why visit?

The combination of a medieval church, a Baroque chapel, and historic graves makes this a rewarding stop for visitors interested in sacred architecture as well as those simply looking for a quiet point along the route between Kašperské Hory and nearby Kašperk Castle. The elevated position of the cemetery also affords pleasant views over the town and the surrounding Šumava hills.

A short stop here fits naturally into a visit to Kašperské Hory — it doesn't demand much time, but it rounds out the picture of the town's history as a centre of mining and craftsmanship, while offering a combination of sacred architecture and literary heritage that is uncommon elsewhere in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the cemetery located? About 1.5 km east of the centre of Kašperské Hory, next to the Church of St. Nicholas.

What is the oldest part of the site? The three-nave basilica of St. Nicholas, built roughly between 1315 and 1330.

Who is buried here? Local glassmakers, along with the mother and brother of writer Karel Klostermann.

Is there a chapel on site? Yes, the Baroque Chapel of St. Anne by Prague builder J. Hager, standing at the highest point of the cemetery grounds.