Memorial Sites in Our Region

Important Memorial Sites in Our Region – Places of Remembrance of the Sorbs

In the Budyšin | Bautzen region, numerous significant memorial sites commemorate outstanding Sorbian figures and their achievements. These places are valuable witnesses to the cultural and historical importance of the Sorbian people. They invite visitors to explore Sorbian history, gain a deeper understanding of its traditions and appreciate the heritage of this unique culture.

Budyšin | Bautzen

Memorial to Jan Arnošt Smoler (1816–1884)

The memorial at Ziegelwall commemorates Jan Arnošt Smoler, one of the leading Sorbian scholars and publicists of the 19th century. He made a significant contribution to the promotion of the Sorbian language and literature. He also gave his name to the Regional Association. His grave is located at Protschenberg Cemetery.

Graves at the Catholic St Nicholas’ Cemetery

Michał Hórnik (1833–1894): Clergyman and important promoter of Sorbian literature in the 19th century. A Domowina Regional Association was named after him.
Michał Nawka (1885–1968): Teacher, writer, linguist and long-standing conductor of the “Meja” choir in Radibor.

Grave at St Michael’s Cemetery

Arnošt Muka (1854–1932): Grammar school teacher, folklorist and linguist. He was a key organiser of the Sorbian national movement and worked to document the Sorbian language and culture.

Graves at Protschenberg Cemetery

Jan Arnošt Smoler (1816–1884): Scholar and publicist
Marko Smoler (1857-1941): Sorbian publisher and editor
Jan Cyž (1898-1985): District Administrator
Jurij Winar (1909-1991): Sorbian composer
Gerat Hendrich (1932-2005): Patron of culture
Rudolf Jentsch (1903-1979): Scholar

Graves at Taucher Cemetery

Frido Mětšk (1916-1990): Scholar
Jurij Hajna (1877-1952): Painter
Detlef Kobjela (1944-2018): Sorbian composer
Dr Jan Rawp: Sorbian composer and musicologist
Jurij Grós: long-serving First Secretary of Domowina e. V.

Radwor | Radibor

Old Parish Church (built 1496)

The church is known for its collection of medieval religious artworks.

Memorial Sites at the Cemetery

The cemetery in Radibor is the resting place of numerous notable figures:

Dr. Marja Grólmusec (1896–1944): Physician and victim of fascism
Alojs Andricki (1914–1943): Catholic priest and also a victim of fascism. He is venerated in the Church as Blessed.
Józef Nowak (1895–1978): Sorbian publicist and promoter of Sorbian culture

Berge bei Budestecy | Großpostwitz

Memorial to Korla Awgust Kocor (1822–1904)

In front of the birthplace of Korla Awgust Kocor, a memorial commemorates the renowned teacher, composer and organiser of Sorbian choral festivals. Kocor is regarded as a key figure in Sorbian music history.

Słona Boršć | Salzenforst

Handrij Zejler (1804–1872)

In Słona Boršć | Salzenforst, a commemorative plaque at his birthplace and a monument on the village square honour Handrij Zejler, the distinguished Sorbian poet and Protestant pastor. Zejler was a co-founder of modern Sorbian literature and played a decisive role in shaping Sorbian poetry.

Hrodźišćo | Gröditz

Jan August Měrćink | Johann August Miertsching (1817-1875)

In October 2024, a commemorative stone for the Sorbian missionary and interpreter who took part in an Arctic expedition was ceremonially unveiled.