Tombstone of Josef Klvaňa

Josef Klvaňa (1857–1919) was a naturalist, patriotic researcher, organizer of cultural life, teacher and the first director of the Czech high-school in Kyjov, which now bears his name. The tombstone lies near the Museum of National History, which houses Klvaňa`s estate.

Josef Klvaňa was a Moravian patriot with a European perspective. In addition to local associations, he was also a member of important institutions (the Central Commission for the Preservation of Artistic and Historical Monuments based in Vienna, the Imperial Geological Institute in Vienna), he made numerous trips abroad and met leading figures of science and culture.

Klvaňa welcomed the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic on 29 October 1918 by hoisting the Czech and Moravian banners on the building of the high-school, of which he was the headmaster at the time. He also proposed a modification of the anthem of the new state with regard to Moravia and Slovakia. In 1919 he dictated his memoirs, and on 13 August of the same year he died of a stroke.

KOTÍK Vladimír, HYNEK Miloš: Josef Klvaňa. Vzpomínka ke 135. výročí narození. Vydalo Klvaňovo gymnázium v Kyjově, 1992.

Tombstone of Josef Klvaňa (Author: RF)

Tombstone of Josef Klvaňa, detail (Author: RF)