Vienna Central Cemetery

Vienna, Austria

The Vienna Central Cemetery (Wiener Zentralfriedhof) is one of the largest cemeteries in the world, largest by number of interred in Europe and most famous cemetery in Vienna. Unlike many others, the Vienna Central Cemetery is not one that has evolved slowly with the passing of time. The decision to establish a new, big cemetery for Vienna came in 1863 when it became clear that – due to industrialisation – the city's population would eventually increase to such an extent that the existing communal cemeteries would prove insufficient.

The cemetery was opened on All Saints' Day in 1874, far outside Vienna's city borders. Today there are over 330,000 graves.

The church in the centre of the cemetery is named Karl-Borromäus-Kirche (Charles Borromeo Church), but is also known as Karl-Lueger-Gedächtniskirche (Karl Lueger Memorial Church) because of the crypt of the former mayor of Vienna below the high altar. This church in Art Nouveau style was built in 1908–1910 by Max Hegele. The crypt of the Austrian Federal Presidents is located near the Dr. Karl-Lueger Memorial Church. Beneath the sarcophagus, is a burial vault with stairs leading down to a circular room whose walls are lined with niches where the deceased in an urn or coffin can be interred.

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Details

Founded: 1874
Category: Cemeteries, mausoleums and burial places in Austria

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

R. B. (4 months ago)
It is very huge cemetery. It is worth visiting and you might see some squirrel and deer!
Jo K. (5 months ago)
Some things in life are free. We came by tram 71 and stopped at Tor 3 by mistake but this turned out to be a very lovely walk towards the highlights : the musicians’ graves. Lots of trees along the way to shade one from the blazing sun in this summer. We visited the toilet before entering the gates. For 0.5Eur, the toilet was sparkling clean, thanks to Linda the jolly lady who presided over the toilet with much pride. She also sang a good karaoke;) We sat on a bench in the shade and it was really peaceful. The benches were spotlessly clean!
Irma Zandl (7 months ago)
This is one of the most beautiful cemeteries I've visited - and I'm quite a connoisseur of final resting places. This one is not only wonderful to stroll around in (or take a horse drawn carriage ride) but it is also huge. All the Austrian presidents are interred here along with famous composers and more contemporary types like Hedy Lamarr (who is described as an actress and inventor), Franz West (a leading contemporary artist), Udo Jürgens, and Manfred Deix, the Austrian caricaturist, graphic artist and cartoonist who was especially famous for one of his drawings, entitled Cat King. You'll also find one of Vienna’s nicest Jugendstil churches, Friedhofskirche Zum Heiligen Karl Borromäus, standing proudly at the center. Many Americans find cemeteries disturbing, not the Viennese. They bike ride and have silent runs through the cemetery. There is also a very nice restaurant and the gift shop has some great t-shirts.
AW M (2 years ago)
Definitely worth a visit. Well preserved and maintained cemetery where, among others, famous musicians like Mozart and Beethoven are buried. We went there in late fall and it looked great on the sunny day. Easy to get to from Vienna with local public transportation. Take U Bahn to anywhere where you can catch #11 or 71 tram. Get off at the 2nd cemetery stop which is the main entrance. For the musician’s burial area, go into the 2nd entrance and then keep going straight. You will see a sign saying MUSIKER on the left,
Kourosh (2 years ago)
Vienna’s Central Cemetery is truly a remarkable place that seamlessly blends culture, history, and nature. As I walked through its expansive grounds, I was struck by the serene beauty of the landscape, where lush greenery and towering trees create a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the final resting places of the many famous individuals who found their eternal home here. The cemetery is a veritable who’s who of Austrian and international history, with luminaries like Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, and Franz Schubert among its distinguished residents. Paying my respects to these musical giants in such a tranquil setting was a truly moving experience. What surprised me most was the unexpected encounter with nature within the cemetery’s boundaries. While wandering through the well-maintained pathways, I had the pleasure of spotting a graceful gazelle gracefully bounding through the greenery. This unique blend of urban and natural elements added an extra layer of enchantment to my visit. Vienna’s Central Cemetery is not just a burial ground; it’s a living testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and a place where history, art, and nature converge. Whether you’re a music enthusiast paying homage to great composers or simply seeking a serene escape, this cemetery offers a memorable and uplifting experience that’s unlike any other.
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