Berlin's liveliest cemetery: The "Old St. Matthäus Churchyard" is characterized by a lively, diverse cemetery culture. Colorful wind turbines, private photos or stuffed animals adorn many graves. This form of remembrance is touching, but it is also a matter of taste. The design is sometimes kitschy or even daring.
The tour leads to historically significant tombs such as those of the Brothers Grimm, the sculptor and architect of the Victory Column, Friedrich Drake, or Carl Bolle, a Berlin original.
In addition to many honorary graves, the tour passes pompous, partly dilapidated mausoleums that are listed as historical monuments. However, thanks to a sponsorship, these have been preserved and given a new accent.
This path through the rows of graves could not be more contrasting. It leads to the star children (premature or stillborn), those who died of AIDS, important bankers and doctors (e.g. Rudolf Virchow) as well as the memorial site for resistance fighters in the "Third Reich".
According to an information folder from the "Efeu" association, which wants to preserve and promote the Schöneberg cemetery, around 70 homosexual people were laid to rest here. A few celebrities from the gay scene are given special attention.
Many famous artists are remembered here with their message. Rio Reiser, who would like to be "King of Germany" according to his song, or pop star Chris Roberts with the song "You can't always be 17".
Lots of benches invite you to linger. And a well-known film and theater director can also be found "testing out" his future grave.
At the end of the tour there is the opportunity to chat over coffee and cake in the "Finovo", the first cemetery café in Germany.
- Meeting point: Großgörschenstraße 12-14, 10829 Berlin
- Speakers: Günter Leitner, contemporary historian, city guide, funeral speaker and Dieter Bornemann, journalist (including queer press), curator
- Cost: €12
- Aimed at: adults
- in German
Additional information
Dates
November 2024
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