Grave of Ferdinand Blumentritt in Litoměřice

1853–1913 

Ferdinand Blumentritt (September 10, 1853–September 20 1913) was a high school teacher in Litoměřice. He won international renown by his works on the Philippines, especially in the field of ethnography, cartography and linguistics. Blumentritt kept in contact with José Rizal, the main figure of the Philippines` resistance against Spanish colonial rule. He is buried at the Litoměřice cemetery and his grave is visited by delegations of the Philippine state representatives.

 

Ferdinand Blumentritt taught history and geography at the grammar school in Litoměřice and he was the headmaster here between 1900 and 1911. Although he never visited the Philippines, his scientific work was a major influence on European knowledge of the archipelago. Blumentritt developed a deep friendship with José Rizal, a prominent figure in the Philippine struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Rizal and Blumentritt corresponded extensively. Their only meeting took place in 1887 during Rizal's five-day visit to Litoměřice. In December 1896 Rizal was convicted for his patriotic activities and executed in Manila, but the national liberation movement, inspired by his ideas, led to the surrender of the Spanish East Indies less than two years after his death. Today Rizal is a Philippine national hero and several places in Manila are named after Blumentritt.

The professorial staff of the grammar school honoured the memory of its long-time director by having a relief plaque made for his grave by sculptor Alexandr Liesek. The grave was repaired at Litoměřice`s expense in 1994 and is now the site of visits by delegations of representatives of the Philippine state who consider Blumentritt to be an important figure in the story of their country`s national emancipation.  

 

References

Kotyza, O.; Smetana, J.; Tomas, J. (eds.): Dějiny města Litoměřic. Litoměřice 1997.
Tomas, J.: Litoměřický profesor Ferdinand Blumentritt a jeho styky s Filipínami, zvláště s José Rizalem, Vlastivědný sborník Litoměřicko 13/1977, s. 96–114.
Sichrovski, H.: Ferdinand Blumentritt: an Austrian life for the Philippines: the story of Jose Rizal's closest friend and companion. Manila 1987.

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