Ross Cemetery in Vilnius marks 250 years of history

The Ross Cemetery in Vilnius, the city's oldest necropolis, is marking 250 years since its first burial. Cultural heritage specialist Jurga Jackevicziute-Meszkiene of the Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency (VASS) described the site as a shared history of Poles, Lithuanians, and other nations of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

The cemetery serves as a final resting place for significant historical figures from both nations. Notable Polish figures buried there include the heart of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, January Uprising leaders Zygmunt Sierakowski and Konstanty Kalinowski, poet Władysław Syrokomla, and historian Joachim Lelewel.

Lithuanian historical figures interred at the site include Jonas Basanavicius, a signatory of the 1918 Act of Independence of Lithuania, composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, and various soldiers who fought for Lithuanian independence in the early 20th century. To commemorate the anniversary, VASS organized a series of lectures, discussions, and tours involving Polish and Lithuanian experts.