Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery in Zakopane

Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery is one of Zakopane’s most important necropolises and the town’s first cemetery. It was established on land donated to the parish by Jan Pęksa, on a high bank above a stream; the local word “brzyzek” refers to this type of bank. Today it commemorates people connected with the Tatras, Podhale and Zakopane, and preserves distinctive local funerary art.

What to see

The cemetery includes the graves of Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer, Kornel Makuszyński, Władysław Orkan and Stanisław Witkiewicz. It is also the resting place of local highlanders, Tatra guides and TOPR rescuers; the wall commemorates Tatra couriers. Look for wooden and stone tombs, carved crosses and small shrines decorated with Podhale motifs. Their forms reflect the region’s carving tradition.

Planning your visit

The cemetery stands on Kościeliska Street, at the beginning of Zakopane’s historic old district. It pairs naturally with the Old Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa and the Gąsienica Chapel. Zakopane’s official tourism service says that the church and cemetery are open to visitors except during Mass. Check current parish arrangements before travelling, especially on holidays and during ceremonies.

Practical information

This is an active cemetery, not a conventional museum with a fixed exhibition. Keep quiet, do not step onto graves and follow instructions from those responsible for the site. The ground may be uneven, so comfortable shoes and a respectful pace are useful.