Krematorium v Liberci Crematorium

Krematorium v Liberci, located on 460 / 7 U Crematorium in the city of IV-Perstín, is a unique cultural monument. Built in 1917 as the first crematorium in the territory of Austria-Hungary, it represents a Art Nouveau building with richly decorated interior and artistic elements. This monument is a key part of the history of funeral practices in Central Europe and symbolizes the fight for the right to be cremated in Czech countries.

The idea of burying the irons came from Italy through Germany to the Czech Republic in the second half of the 19th century, but then the legislation was influenced by the Catholic Church, which allowed only traditional burial. Therefore, cremation supporters had to be taken to the German crematorium in Žitava and Dresden. Among Liberec's promoters were politicians MUDr. Václav Šamánek st. and his brother-in-law MUDr. Franz Bayer, who, as the purkmaster of Liberec in 1912, promoted a building permit for a new crematorium. Despite the Supreme Court litigation, it was decided that the building could be built, but the cremation was not allowed in it.

The construction was designed by Czech-German architect Rudolf Bitzan and was carried out by the company Gustav Sacher and sons. The foundation stone was laid on 4th May 1915, the construction was completed in 1916 and ceremonially opened on 23rd August 1917. Although cremation was not officially permitted during the First World War, the first official cremation of the city of Liberec by Robert Jahn was carried out on October 30, 1918.

After 1918, the number of cremated people ranged between 500 and 600 a year, while the crematorium served for the inhabitants of Liberec and the surrounding area. In the interwar period, an urn grove with a park architecture designed by Karl Kerl was established, which was already extended for capacity reasons in 1923. During World War II, there were cremated students executed after demonstrations in 1939, dead prisoners from the concentration camp and victims of the Leberian Gestapo.

After 1945, the crematorium became a place of memorable trysenes for the victims of the occupation. In 1968 they spoke on one of the destinations of a significant personality such as Václav Havel and Jan Tříska. In 1973, a large reconstruction was carried out according to the design of architect Poříze, which included glazing of the historic building and modifications of the urn grove. In 1994, additional buildings were built for new technologies.

Today the crematorium in Liberec is a protected cultural monument that attracts visitors with its historical and architectural wealth. Its Art Nouveau style and art elements such as window stained windows and a small fountain in the access space are an important part of its engaging character. The crematorium bears witness to the historic struggle for the right to cremation, as well as to architectural changes and modifications over the years.

Krematorium v Liberci is therefore a place full of history and art worth visiting. Its presence on Monstranski Hill and its connection to important events in Czech countries make it an essential part of the region's cultural heritage.