Marie von Ebner Eschenbach is considered one of the most significant European literary figures of the 19th Century. Although twice nominated for a Nobel Prize in literature in 1910 and 1911, following the downfall of the Austria-Hungarian Empire, the German author has been largely forgotten in her homeland. In restoring the tomb and chapel in her hometown of Zdislavice, the Czech National Trust will draw attention not only to the literary and cultural legacy of this astonishing woman, but also show her love for the Moravian countryside – her lifelong inspiration. The restoration also celebrates her exceptional societal contribution in establishing a nursery, as well as ​accommodation, for underprivileged children.

What is going on:

Tomb of Marie von Ebnerova-Eschenbach

Notable Classicist tomb with a chapel is located in the village of Zdislavice in the Kromeriz district. The place is admirable for its technical and architectural solutions, the unique atmosphere and sensitive incorporation into terrain with long-distance views of the landscape.

Where it is:

Zdislavice, Zlin region, Czech Republic

What we do:

We are raising funds for the reconstruction and restoration of the interior of the tomb, chapel and furniture. In cooperation with the Zlin region, Museum of Kroměříž and the Moravian Museum we are preparing a series of events to commemorate the centennial of Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach in 2016.

Since 2015, the Czech National Trust (CNT) owns the land surrounding the building of the tomb and chapel. The building was recently donated by the Zlin Region, which works closely with CNT.

In 2015 the first phase of reconstruction was successfully completed – structural reinformcement was designed and implemented by the Zlin Region in cooperation with the Czech National Trust with the support of grants from the Czech Ministry of Culture. Of the total amount of CZK 4,025,000 CZK 900,000 was paid from the Program for preservation of architectural heritage 2015, the remaining amount of CZK 3,125,000 was funded by the Zlin Region.

Why we do it:

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach is considered one of the most important literary figures of the 19th century. German-language writer of Czech origin was almost completely forgotten in her home land after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. By reconstructing the tomb in her native Zdislavice, Czech National Trust wishes to do more than simply highlight the literary and cultural legacy of this extraordinary woman. The aim is also to point out her warm relationship to the Moravian countryside, which was her lifelong inspiration as well as make known her extraordinary social conscience of promoting talented youngsters and constructing alms-houses and kindergartens in her birthplace.

How can I get involved:

Please help us restore this unique site to make it a fitting commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach in 2016. Here are some ways how you could help:

• give a financial donation for the reconstruction of buildings and furniture
• give a material donation – we need tools, utilities, brush cutters, axes, saws, machetes …
• buy the book Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach and Zdislavice for 200 CZK or more. From the set price CZK 100 will be contributed to this project and you will also learn everything you did not know about the world famous writer of Czech origin.
• other types of support (architects, craftsmen, experts, appraisers,…) let us know if you can help us in any way!
• help with your own hands during a working holiday, or as part of teambuilding. Please contact us, we will give you more information about the terms and conditions, find suitable accommodation, and everything you will need