War cemetery No. 368 – Limanowa-Jabłoniec

Cemetery No. 368 on Jabłoniec, located in Limanowa, was built between 1915 and 1916 by Gustav Ludwig as a tribute to the soldiers who fell during World War I. Its design was ambitious and representative, intended to reflect the spirit of the times and express gratitude to the fallen heroes. The cemetery is situated on Jabłoniec Hill, and its construction required significant effort and resources, largely provided by Italian prisoners of war. At the center of the cemetery stands an octagonal chapel-mausoleum, topped with a high dome covered in red tiles and a cross. Originally, the chapel housed the remains of Colonel Othmar Muhr, who died in the battle for this hill, and its design draws inspiration from the northern Italian style of chapel architecture. The cemetery is not only a burial ground for soldiers of the Austro-Hungarian and Russian armies but also a symbol of the wartime events that took place in December 1914 during the Limanowa-Łapanów operation, where fierce fighting occurred. A total of 408 soldiers are buried here, including 161 Austrians, one German, and 247 Russians. Near the cemetery, there is a column commemorating Rittmeister Leonard von Thun und Hohenstein, as well as a Soviet soldiers' cemetery, where 250 Soviet military personnel rest. The cemetery stands out for its meticulous maintenance and lush greenery, giving it a park-like atmosphere. It is also worth noting that the primary goal of building the cemetery was not only to commemorate the victims of the war but also to create a space for reflection and tranquility, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance. The cemetery is also accessible to tourists, making it a site of historical and educational importance, attracting those interested in military history and monument architecture.