Cemetery in Svítkov

Svítkov Cemetery is one of seven municipal cemeteries managed by the city of Pardubice in the eastern Czech Republic, located in the district of Svítkov, now part of Pardubice's administrative territory. It is a quiet burial ground that has served the local community for more than 140 years and forms part of the city's wider network of cemeteries.

Getting there

Svítkov lies within the city limits of Pardubice, a town in eastern Bohemia best known for its chemical industry and the Velká pardubická steeplechase. The cemetery sits in the western part of the city and can be reached by car or by public transport from the Pardubice city center, with the journey typically taking around fifteen minutes. The surrounding area retains a suburban character, mixing single-family housing with remnants of Svítkov's older village layout, which was gradually absorbed as Pardubice expanded outward.

What to know

The cemetery was founded in the second half of the 19th century. On December 8, 1883, the dean of Pardubice, Monsignor Jan Chmelík, consecrated the newly established burial ground. Construction of a surrounding wall began that same year and was completed in 1884. The project was driven largely by the local estate manager of the time, František Kramář, who initiated and oversaw the whole undertaking.

Since its consecration, the cemetery has continuously served as a burial site for residents of Svítkov and the surrounding area. Like many cemeteries from that era, it follows a simple, orderly layout, with paths running between the burial sections, enclosed by the wall built shortly after the site was consecrated.

Management and facilities

Today the cemetery is administered by Služby města Pardubic, the municipal services company that oversees a total of seven cemeteries in and around the city — alongside Svítkov, these include the cemeteries in Pardubice itself, Lány na Důlku, Rosice nad Labem, Pardubičky, Mnětice, and Hostovice. Together, these sites cover more than 9 hectares.

Visitors can use an online grave map to locate a specific burial plot by the name of the grave's tenant, the name of the deceased (if recorded in the cemetery register), or the plot number. This tool is used both by families visiting the graves of relatives and by anyone researching local history through the cemetery's records.

When to visit

The cemetery can be visited year-round, though it is most pleasant in spring and autumn, when the greenery of the surrounding trees and the calm setting make for a reflective walk. Early November, around All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, draws the largest number of visitors, so those seeking a quieter visit may prefer to plan around that period.

Frequently asked questions

When was Svítkov Cemetery founded? The cemetery was consecrated on December 8, 1883, with its surrounding wall built between 1883 and 1884.

Who initiated the cemetery's construction? The estate manager František Kramář played the key role in establishing it, while the consecration was performed by the Pardubice dean, Monsignor Jan Chmelík.

Who manages the cemetery today? It is administered by Služby města Pardubic, which oversees seven cemeteries in the region covering more than 9 hectares in total.

Can visitors locate a specific grave? Yes, an online grave map lets visitors search for a burial plot by name or plot number.