Chapel
1 / 12

Peggetz Memorial

4.8
·13 reviews·Lienz, Austria

A solemn memorial site honoring 300 Cossacks, featuring a poignant obelisk and a beautiful Orthodox chapel.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early June weekends

Annual commemoration ceremonies

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Chapel

Peggetz Memorial

Best Time

Early June weekends

Annual commemoration ceremonies

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn memorial site honoring 300 Cossacks, featuring a poignant obelisk and a beautiful Orthodox chapel.

4.8
(13 reviews)

"A worthy small memorial to the great tragedy of 1945, important to understand."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Chance Encounters

You might discover this gem by chance while walking along the river. Keep an eye out for its unique architecture.

🙏 Respectful Attire

Dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a cemetery and a place of worship.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Central Memorial Obelisk

Central Memorial Obelisk

A poignant obelisk crowned with an Orthodox cross and crown of thorns, symbolizing the Cossack tragedy.

Orthodox Chapel

Orthodox Chapel

A beautiful, recently built wooden chapel with striking copper elements, offering a place for quiet contemplation.

Cossack Cemetery

Cossack Cemetery

The resting place of approximately 300 Cossacks, marked by 28 graves and a profound sense of history.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Understanding the History

This memorial commemorates a tragic event in 1945. Learning about the Cossack diaspora and the role of British forces provides crucial context for your visit. It's a place for reflection and understanding.

Respectful Visitation

As a cemetery and chapel, Peggetz Memorial is a solemn site. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful demeanor. Commemoration ceremonies are held annually, so check dates if you wish to attend.

Best Times

When
Early June weekends
Why
Annual commemoration ceremonies
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quiet reflection time
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Chance Encounters

You might discover this gem by chance while walking along the river. Keep an eye out for its unique architecture. Reddit

🙏 Respectful Attire

Dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a cemetery and a place of worship. Reddit

📚 Learn the History

Understanding the tragic events of 1945 enhances the significance of your visit. Reddit

No content available

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Chance Encounters

You might discover this gem by chance while walking along the river. Keep an eye out for its unique architecture. Reddit

🙏 Respectful Attire

Dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a cemetery and a place of worship. Reddit

📚 Learn the History

Understanding the tragic events of 1945 enhances the significance of your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Peggetz Memorial to be a deeply moving and historically significant site, particularly appreciating the well-maintained cemetery and the poignant Orthodox chapel. The memorial serves as a powerful reminder of a tragic event, with many emphasizing the importance of understanding its historical context. While the site is solemn, it's considered a worthy place for reflection and remembrance.

"Best service"

Muhammad Jibran Alam

"Cemetery & Chapel
The Cossack cemetery in Peggetz was established in June 1945 and is now a listed monument. Approximately 300 Cossacks rest in 28 graves.

The square is designed with a central memorial obelisk – crowned by an Orthodox cross and a crown of thorns – flanked by icon cabinets with an icon of Mary and Christ Pantocrator.

Plans for a chapel existed as early as the 1960s, but were not initially implemented. It wasn't until 2015 that a small Orthodox wooden chapel was built next to the cemetery.

The chapel was prefabricated in Ukraine and later assembled in Lienz, supported by the Austrian Black Cross, the Cossack diaspora, and the city of Lienz.

Commemoration ceremonies with participants from the Cossack diaspora and regional representatives take place annually on the first weekend in June. The Austrian Black Cross is responsible for the maintenance of the site."

Roman Temin

"Last week, I was walking along the river from Lavant to Lienz and happened upon it by chance. The small church had new copper elements, which looked very nice and made me curious as to who might be buried in the cemetery. Unfortunately, it's a sad story, and one where the English made negative headlines for the first time."

Reprehendo

What People Like

Poignant memorial
Well-maintained cemetery
Beautiful chapel

What People Dislike

Solemn atmosphere (for some)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The memorial is located in Peggetz, near Lienz. Many visitors discover it by chance while walking along the river from Lavant to Lienz. Public transport options to Lienz are available, from where you can walk or take a local bus towards Peggetz. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking is limited, but it's often accessible by foot from nearby areas. Consider parking in Lienz and enjoying a scenic walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the cemetery and chapel is generally free, as it is a memorial site. Donations may be accepted for upkeep. Reddit

The chapel's specific opening hours may vary. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The memorial commemorates approximately 300 Cossacks who rest in the cemetery, a site established in June 1945. It's a place to reflect on a tragic historical event. Reddit

Yes, a small Orthodox wooden chapel was built next to the cemetery in 2015 and is a key feature of the memorial site. Reddit

Commemoration ceremonies with participants from the Cossack diaspora and regional representatives take place annually on the first weekend in June. Reddit

Yes, weekday mornings are often quiet, allowing for respectful reflection on the history and significance of the site. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but always be mindful of the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography, especially near the graves or during any ceremonies. Reddit

The central memorial obelisk and the distinctive wooden chapel with its copper elements are popular subjects. The overall atmosphere of the cemetery also offers poignant photographic opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Peggetz Memorial is a solemn site, it can offer a valuable educational experience for families. Visiting the cemetery and chapel can spark conversations about history, remembrance, and the importance of understanding different cultures and past events. Reddit

It's recommended to prepare children beforehand by explaining the memorial's purpose in an age-appropriate manner. Focus on the stories of resilience and remembrance rather than dwelling on the tragic aspects. The walk along the river to reach the memorial can also be an enjoyable part of the outing for younger visitors. Reddit

🤔 History Enthusiasts

For history buffs, Peggetz Memorial offers a unique glimpse into the post-WWII era and the fate of the Cossack diaspora. The site's establishment in 1945 and its status as a listed monument highlight its historical significance. Reddit

Delving into the context of the British occupying forces' actions and the broader geopolitical landscape of the time will greatly enrich the visit. The presence of the Orthodox chapel, built much later, also tells a story of enduring cultural identity and community efforts. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical Context of Peggetz Memorial

The Peggetz Memorial is a poignant reminder of a difficult chapter in history, established in June 1945. It serves as the final resting place for approximately 300 Cossacks, interred in 28 graves. The site is now a listed monument, underscoring its historical and cultural importance. The central feature is a memorial obelisk, distinguished by an Orthodox cross and a crown of thorns, flanked by icon cabinets displaying icons of Mary and Christ Pantocrator. This solemn monument invites reflection on the events that led to its creation. Reddit

Plans for a chapel at the site had been considered since the 1960s but were only realized in 2015 with the construction of a small, prefabricated Orthodox wooden chapel. This chapel, assembled in Lienz, was a collaborative effort supported by the Austrian Black Cross, the Cossack diaspora, and the city of Lienz. Its modern copper elements, noted by visitors, add a unique visual aspect to the memorial. Reddit

Annual commemoration ceremonies are held on the first weekend in June, drawing participants from the Cossack diaspora and regional representatives. The Austrian Black Cross is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the site, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visitors often express the importance of understanding these events, noting that it's a 'worthy small memorial to the great tragedy of 1945' and that the 'assessment of the actions of the British occupying forces must be seen and understood in a broader context.' Reddit

Visiting Peggetz Memorial: A Traveler's Perspective

Many visitors, like one who stumbled upon it during a river walk, find the Peggetz Memorial to be a moving and unexpected discovery. The presence of a dedicated woman who maintains the cemetery and chapel, and who remembers the events of 1945, adds a personal and touching dimension to the visit. It's noted that even today, a few Cossacks still reside in East Tyrol, connecting the past to the present. Reddit

The small church with its new copper elements is particularly striking, drawing curiosity. While the history is undeniably sad, the memorial is described as a 'worthy small memorial to the great tragedy of 1945.' The advice to learn about these events is frequently shared, emphasizing that it's important for understanding the broader historical narrative and the complex actions of the time. Reddit

Visitors are encouraged to approach the site with respect, recognizing its significance as both a cemetery and a place of remembrance. The combination of the historical cemetery, the modern chapel, and the ongoing dedication to its upkeep makes Peggetz Memorial a unique and thought-provoking destination for those interested in history and human stories. Reddit

You may also like