Dying can also be colorful and queer - The Old St. Matthew's Churchyard in Berlin-Schöneberg

The tour leads to historically significant tombs, such as those of the Brothers Grimm, the sculptor and architect of the Victory Column, Friedrich Drake, and Carl Bolle, a Berlin native.

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.


Thanks to an information folder from the "Efeu" association, which aims to preserve and promote the Schöneberg Cemetery, around 70 gay people were laid to rest here. A few celebrities from the gay scene receive 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 "King of Germany," or pop star Chris Roberts with the song "You Can't Always Be 17."


Many benches invite you to linger. And a well-known film and theater director can also be found "test-lying" at his future grave site.


At the end of the tour, there will be an opportunity to chat over coffee and cake at "Finovo," Germany's first cemetery café.

• Meeting point: Großgörschenstraße 12-14, 10829 Berlin
  
• Speakers: Günter Leitner, contemporary historian, city guide, and funeral orator, and Dieter Bornemann, journalist (including queer press), curator
  
• Cost: €12
  
• Aimed at: Adults
  
• In German