Unusual Pomorskie – historic necropolises of Powisle

Polish-German Catholic cemeteries

For years, Powisle was a melting pot of nationalities and denominations. For centuries, these lands were inhabited by both Polish and German people. Followers of different religions and denominations lived here. To this day, the preserved historic cemeteries testify to the coexistence of these groups.

Among the necropolises testifying to the coexistence of representatives of the Polish and German nationalities, the oldest Catholic cemeteries, especially those adjacent to churches, are undoubtedly worth paying attention to the tombstones created before 1945, because many of them can be described as true works of art. Unfortunately, in the post-war period, the cemeteries were filled with terrazzo tombstones of much less cultural value.

The most interesting monuments are associated with the deceased, who during their lives belonged to the most affluent families. The inscriptions preserved to this day in Polish and German contain basic data on the former inhabitants, but sometimes also valuable additional information related to their mortal life. Of particular interest, in terms of tourism, are the church cemeteries in Sztum, Postolin, Pietrzwald, Stary Targ, Kalwa, Dabrowka Malborska, Straszewo and Tychnowy.

Cemeteries of other denominations and religions

When visiting Powisle, it is also worth visiting the Evangelical cemeteries, where mainly representatives of German nationality are buried. Currently, the cemetery at the Evangelical church in Mikolajki Pomorskie is still in the best condition, as well as the Ryjewski cemetery on Grunwaldzka Street and a small cemetery in Cieszymow, tidied up in 2021. It is also worth seeing two Mennonite cemeteries in Barcice and Marez, as well as the cemetery in Dzierzgon, which reminds us of the presence of followers of Judaism in the region.