Liberation memorial

The Liberation Memorial of Frýdek-Místek stands in the town's central cemetery, marking the grave of Red Army soldiers who fell fighting for the town in May 1945. Every year, town officials lay wreaths here on the anniversary of the liberation.

Who is the memorial dedicated to?

The memorial holds the remains of 966 soldiers and 77 officers of the Red Army, killed during the fighting in the area around Frýdek-Místek, Český Těšín, Karviná (then known as Fryštát), and Nový Jičín. Facing the memorial are separate honorary graves of 50 local residents of Frýdek-Místek who died during the battle for the town.

When did the fighting for the town take place?

The battle to liberate Frýdek-Místek took place between 2 and 4 May 1945. On the morning of 2 May, Red Army soldiers reached the town's Marian church, and by midday they had taken the Frýdek railway station. Despite these early gains, skirmishes continued in the town for several more days, until 4 May.

Why is the memorial located in a cemetery?

The cemetery was where the fallen Soviet soldiers, along with civilian and military casualties among the town's residents, were buried after the fighting ended. Placing the memorial directly above the graves gives it the character of both a memorial site and a war grave — it is not a symbolic obelisk standing apart, but a monument raised over an actual burial ground.

How does the town mark the anniversary of the liberation?

Annual commemorations tied to the anniversary of the liberation of Frýdek-Místek take place at the memorial. Town representatives traditionally lay wreaths there, honouring both the Red Army soldiers and the local residents who died during the fighting in the spring of 1945.

Where exactly is the memorial located?

The monument stands within the grounds of the central cemetery in the Frýdek part of the town of Frýdek-Místek. It is a quiet spot, away from the main tourist routes, but easily accessible for anyone wanting to learn more about the town's history at the end of the Second World War.

Is the memorial worth visiting?

For anyone interested in the recent history of Central Europe, the memorial offers a concrete, tangible trace of the events of May 1945 — it is not a major tourist attraction, but an authentic memorial site that helps convey how costly the liberation of this region was. Visitors can combine a walk through the cemetery with learning more about the wider history of the fighting for Frýdek-Místek and the surrounding area.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Liberation Memorial of Frýdek-Místek located? In the central cemetery in the Frýdek part of the town of Frýdek-Místek.

Who does the memorial commemorate? 966 soldiers and 77 officers of the Red Army who died fighting for Frýdek-Místek, Český Těšín, Karviná, and Nový Jičín, as well as 50 local residents killed during the fighting — their graves lie opposite the memorial.

When did the fighting for the town's liberation take place? Between 2 and 4 May 1945. Soviet soldiers reached the Marian church and took the railway station on the morning of 2 May, but skirmishes continued for several more days.

Are commemorations held at the memorial? Yes, town officials lay wreaths there every year on the anniversary of the liberation of Frýdek-Místek.