Palmiry Cemetery

The Palmiry Cemetery is a national memorial site where over 2,000 Poles murdered by the Germans during World War II are laid to rest. It is located within the Kampinos National Park, in the municipality of Czosnów, and is dedicated to the victims of mass executions, primarily from the years 1939–1941. The history of the cemetery is tied to tragic events when German occupiers carried out mass murders of political prisoners transported from Warsaw. The largest execution took place in June 1940 as part of the AB Action, during which many members of the Polish intellectual and political elite were killed. After the war, exhumations were conducted at the sites of these crimes, and most of the victims were buried at the Palmiry Cemetery. Architecturally, the cemetery is situated in a forested area, with three crosses at its center symbolizing the victims of the executions. Throughout the forest, numerous concrete crosses mark the burial sites. In 1973, the Museum of Struggle and Martyrdom was established near the cemetery, and the modern Museum – Memorial Site Palmiry, opened in 2011, combines elements of concrete and glass with the natural forest surroundings. The museum is a branch of the Warsaw Museum and features exhibits related to the history of the resistance and battles in the Kampinos Forest. The cemetery and museum play a significant role in Poland’s cultural landscape, hosting events such as the Central Youth Rally "Palmiry." It is also worth noting that the cemetery suffered damage from a tornado in 2004 and acts of vandalism, during which many identification plaques of the victims were stolen. In response, the authorities decided to install modern replacement plaques. Near the cemetery, a well-known quote about Poland emphasizes its symbolic importance. The cemetery is the final resting place of notable figures, including Olympians, politicians, social activists, and writers, making Palmiry an important site for Polish historical memory. Interestingly, the cemetery is also accessible by public transportation, making it easier to visit this unique memorial site.