This paper analyses, using the recently restored Evangelical cemetery at Radzewice as an example, the circumstances of the phenomenon which should be described as funerary inheritance. The cemetery, just like tens of other cemeteries in its nearest vicinity, fell into oblivion after the Evangelical community was displaced. However, in contrast to the majority of non-Catholic burial sites in the region, its further decomposition and ruination were stopped owing to the activity of the persons indicated in the publication. The above was possible in view of certain specific local relations, the existence of which formed the basis of the inheritance process. Above all, they included the dominance of individual memory over the collective and the national memory, and the preserved sense of sacred space, connected with the area, space of the cemetery. The reconstruction of the former cemetery chapel was a harbinger of the restitution of the cemetery, which was carried out in the late 1980s. Its circumstances and consequences, i.e. the establishment of a memorial site and a new Catholic cemetery next to the former Evangelical cemetery, now covered by maintenance, picture the funerary inheritance announced by the title of this paper.

Pokój is a village located in the Opole voivodeship. In the 18th century a princely complex Carlsruhe was erected here, in the form of a radiant composition with a central square, gardens and parks. The place became a cultural and craft center, also a health spa since the 19th century. Destruction in 1945 interrupted this development, the former Carlsruhe became a commune village Pokój. At present three cemeteries: Evangelical, Catholic and Jewish constitute the evidence of a multicultural past of Pokój village. In the article the history of these cemeteries is presented, composition and location in the village’s layout characterized, their state of preservation studied and individual aesthetic values of each necropolis indicated.

Sacrum incorporating in spatial composition configuration of Silesian, catholic cemeteries was presented in this article. Cemeteries classification as Holy Places, protection of their sacral character as well as their spatial demands was highlighted. Analysis of problems connected with occurrence, legibility and realization of sacrum content within composed space was conducted for chosen Silesian necropolis.

In 1847, the City Council of Pest opened a new central necropolis. In 1956, the cemetery was declared to be a National Pantheon and Graveyard. Nowadays, about half of the territory of the cemetery is settled, the individually or artistically remarkable tombs are protected, and the rest of the site is being re-designed as green area. In some parts of the cemetery, burials can still be carried out, but the major part of the graveyard is functioning as a public park.