Cemetery in Nymburk

The Cemetery in Nymburk serves as the main burial ground of the town, established in 1894 along the road leading toward Kostomlaty. It was created to replace the town's much older cemetery by the Church of St. George, which had served as the primary burial site for Nymburk's residents since medieval times.

Why was a new cemetery needed?

The town's first cemetery grew up around the original church as early as the 14th century, and in 1569 a larger Renaissance structure was built on its foundations. In 1787 the grounds were significantly expanded, and the church itself began functioning as a cemetery chapel. By the end of the 19th century this site had reached capacity, prompting the town to establish a new, more spacious cemetery elsewhere in Nymburk. The design for the new burial ground was prepared by local builder Červinka, and the first burials there took place in 1902. The Renaissance Church of St. George did not lose its role entirely, however — it continued to serve as the ceremonial church for the new cemetery. The old cemetery around the church itself survived until 1967–1969, when it was cleared and its grounds transformed into what is now known as Svatojiřský Park.

What makes the cemetery architecturally notable?

The most recognizable feature of the Nymburk cemetery is its crematorium, built between 1922 and 1924 to a design by architect Bedřich Feuerstein, working in collaboration with Bohumil Sláma. The building is regarded as one of the earliest examples of purist architecture on the territory of today's Czech Republic and holds an important place in the history of 20th-century Czech architecture — Feuerstein was one of the few architects working in this style, and his Nymburk project ranks among the most significant of his career.

Who is buried at the cemetery?

Along the cemetery walls stand numerous tombs belonging to prominent residents of Nymburk — members of local families, craftsmen, and individuals who contributed to the town's development. Soldiers and legionnaires who fought in the First and Second World Wars are also buried here, making the site a place of historical remembrance for the surrounding region.

The town additionally had a separate Jewish cemetery, established after 1894 and located near the main burial ground, though occupying its own distinct, unmarked plot. Its gravestones, made of granite, limestone, and sandstone, bear inscriptions in Hebrew and Czech, reflecting the former presence of Nymburk's Jewish community, whose population was recorded at 33 in 1930.

Frequently asked questions

When was the cemetery in Nymburk established? The present main municipal cemetery was founded in 1894, with the first burials taking place in 1902.

What happened to the old cemetery by the Church of St. George? It was cleared between 1967 and 1969, and a municipal park was created on the site.

Why is the Nymburk crematorium architecturally significant? It is one of the earliest purist buildings in the Czech Republic, designed by architect Bedřich Feuerstein between 1922 and 1924.

Is there a Jewish cemetery in Nymburk? Yes, a separate Jewish cemetery was established after 1894, with gravestones bearing Hebrew and Czech inscriptions.