Hřbitov

Hřbitov (the cemetery) in Kašava is a small village burial ground in the Zlín District of Moravia, serving as the main resting place for local residents for more than 160 years.

Where is the cemetery located?

The cemetery sits on a slope east of the village center — rather than next to the church, as is common in many Czech villages, it stands at a clear distance from it. Between the church and the cemetery lies the extensive grounds of the local school, so although both belong to the same parish, they occupy visibly separate parts of the village.

When was the cemetery founded?

The cemetery in Kašava was consecrated on October 2, 1859. The opening ceremony, including a formal address, was conducted by the local parish priest Kašpar Michna, who served the Kašava parish from 1858 to 1865. This consecration date places the cemetery's founding in the second half of the 19th century, likely reflecting the growing village's need for a larger, organized burial site.

What is the history behind Kašava itself?

The first written mention of Kašava dates back to 1373 (some sources place it as late as 1440). Medieval settlement of the surrounding landscape began at the end of the 13th century, and colonization efforts tied to the nearby Lukov castle between 1332 and 1334, associated with the Moravian margrave Charles IV, gave a significant push to founding new villages around the castle — Kašava among them.

Patronage rights and the existence of a church in Kašava are documented as early as the 1480 land records. A parish attached to the Church of St. Catherine already existed here in the 15th century, but during the turbulent 16th and 17th centuries it was abandoned and the wooden church fell into disrepair. It was not until 1745 that a new stone church in the Baroque style was founded, thanks to Jan Friedrich Seilern, later undergoing reconstruction that gave it its present appearance.

How many graves does the cemetery hold?

According to records compiled by a service documenting historical cemeteries, the Kašava burial ground has more than 1,200 registered headstones. This reflects a long, continuous tradition of burials at the site, stretching from the mid-19th century to the present day.

Is the cemetery worth a visit?

Despite its modest size, the cemetery in Kašava is an interesting stop for anyone with an interest in local history and genealogy — its many preserved headstones document generations of village life. Its hillside setting also offers a quiet view over the surrounding countryside, typical of the foothills of the Hostýn-Vsetín Hills.

Frequently asked questions

When was the cemetery in Kašava established? It was consecrated on October 2, 1859, by parish priest Kašpar Michna.

Is the cemetery next to the church? No — it lies on a slope east of the village, with the local school grounds separating it from the church.

How many headstones does the cemetery have? Available records list more than 1,200 headstones.