Hidden behind high walls in the Isarvorstadt district is a historic place that invites you to stroll and linger with its magnificent, weathered tombs surrounded by wild nature. This cemetery brings a sense of calm to the city life that surrounds it and offers many people an oasis of peace away from the usual parks. It is also an exciting enrichment for people interested in history.
From plague cemetery to monument
The history of the cemetery dates back to the 16th century. At that time, the area was located outside the city walls and was laid out by Duke Albrecht V as a plague cemetery. Over the centuries, Munich is said to have had to contend with plague epidemics 25 times. This resulted in the founding of the cemetery in 1536.
170 years later, a mass grave was created in this cemetery for around 800 victims of the Sendlinger Blutweihnacht, in which insurgents were defeated by imperial troops. A monument still commemorates them today. Ludwig I donated a cannon to be melted down and used to cast the monument. The inauguration of the monument took place on All Saints’ Day in 1835.
Towards the end of the 18th century, the cemetery finally became the main cemetery of the city of Munich due to a law passed in 1789 which prohibited the burial of the dead intra muros, i.e. within the city walls. The existing gravesites were then moved outside the city gates and the churchyards were leveled and paved over. When the burial of the deceased returned to municipal hands, the central cemetery was redesigned and mass graves and gravesites with simple crosses were transformed into imposing tombs.
Over time, space became scarce and an extension was inevitable. This was carried out by Friedrich von Gärtner, who was the first person to be laid to rest in this new section after his death. The Old South Cemetery now covers a total of 10 hectares, where well-known personalities from the city of Munich are buried. These include Josef von Frauenhofer, Franz Jakob Schwanthaler, Ludwig von Schwanthaler, Georg Pschorr and many more.
The Old South Cemetery today
Until the opening of the North Cemetery in 1868, the old southern cemetery was the central cemetery in Munich. After the North Cemetery went into operation, the number of burials in the South Cemetery decreased until it was completely closed in 1944. Today, the site is a protected monument and nature reserve. More than 13,000 graves and almost 100 crypts are located on the site in Isarvorstadt and can be visited by you.
For local residents, the Old South Cemetery is a local recreation area in the neighborhood. People go for a walk here, sit down on the benches, look at the impressive tombs and enjoy the slightly overgrown nature. For a detour to the water before or after your visit, walk along the stream that flows past the cemetery. If you are particularly interested in the history and personalities, take part in one of the guided tours that take place at irregular intervals. If you prefer something more unusual, take part in one of the Graveyard & Burbon tours, where you combine the tour with a visit to the restaurant.
Today, the Old South Cemetery also has a playground and a few table tennis tables, making it a great place for a family day out. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a squirrel or two on one of the trees. In the run-up to Christmas, the Pink Christmas market is also held on Stephansplatz at the northern end, so you can combine your walk through the Old South Cemetery with a Christmas atmosphere.