Hřbitov sovětských válečných zajatců (Adolfovice) Cemetery

The cemetery of Soviet prisoners of war, also known as Rudohoří Forest Cemetery, is a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It is located in the valley of the Brook in the village Bělá pod Pradědem. This place of memory worships Soviet prisoners of war from the Second World War who died here as a result of inadequate nutrition and an epidemic of spotted typhus. His history is closely linked to the former Radohoří prison camp. He served as a place of forced labor for Soviet prisoners and later as an internment camp for the German displaced population. The original cemetery was founded in 1960 and was renovated in 2003 to become a place of reconciliation and unification of nations.

The cemetery in Adolfovice was established in 1960. Its creation was triggered by the need to honor thousands of Soviet soldiers who were captured during World War II and placed in Camp Rudohoří. The prisoners were doing heavy work here in the surrounding forests, many of whom died between October 1941 and February 1942 due to hunger and an epidemic of spotted typhus. After the war, the campus was transferred to an internment camp for German displaced persons, reflecting the broader context of the events at the time.

The cemetery was originally conceived as a fenced space with a central monument, which carried the inscription in Russian. In four symmetric rows there were 36 graves whose names were listed in monuments. The 2003 reconstruction brought about a change in the layout of tombstones, reflecting a new approach to commemorating history. On the right of the central monument were placed memoirs of Soviet prisoners, while on the left were moved nine memoirs of German citizens from their original burial ground.

After the reconstruction in 2003, the 1960 memorial site became a symbol of reconciliation of nations. The state enterprise of the Forests of the Czech Republic through the Forest Administration Jeseník has secured the repair. The cost exceeded half a million crowns. Later Russia contributed to the reconstruction. The cemetery is recorded in the central register of war graves under the number CZE- 7102-07161, which confirms its importance.

The key events associated with the site include the death of Soviet prisoners in 1941-1942 due to hunger and typhus, the burial of German citizens from the internment camp in 1945 and the subsequent reconstruction in 2003. These peristiwa bear witness to the tragic history of war captivity.

Today, the cemetery of Soviet prisoners of war in Adolfovice is an accessible place worth visiting. It allows reflection on the tragic history of World War II and its impact on individuals and nations alike. The monument lies in the nature of Jeseníky, which offers beautiful views and possibilities for hiking. Visit this place and honor the thousands of people who have found their last peace here.

The value of the cemetery lies in reminiscent of the tragic events of the past and incitement to reflect the consequences of war. It is a place symbolizing the reconciliation and unification of nations. It is worth visiting to better understand history and its importance for the present.