Sixty-one hectares of tranquility. That’s Cologne Southern Cemetery. A sprawling green expanse in Zollstock it’s more than just a graveyard. It’s a living testament to Cologne’s history.
Opened in 1901 Cologne Southern Cemetery was designed to alleviate the strain on the overcrowded Melaten Cemetery. Garden architect Adolf Kowallek envisioned a park-like setting. He succeeded beautifully. The cemetery is a haven of peace. It boasts a dense canopy of trees and wide allee-like paths perfect for leisurely strolls. Kowallek himself is buried near the main entrance a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The cemetery wasn’t built in a day. Its growth reflects Cologne’s fluctuating fortunes. Initially a trapezoidal area of about 20 hectares it expanded several times. The first expansion between 1915 and 1916 added seven hectares. World War I prisoners of war helped with this expansion. A curious fact a small detail perhaps but a sign of the times. Further expansions in the 1920s and 1930s significantly increased its size. The final expansion in 1963 brought the total area to its current size. This last section is strikingly different from Kowallek’s original design. The paths are straight in contrast to the original curved paths. A change in style a testament to evolving aesthetic preferences.
Cologne Southern Cemetery isn’t just about death and remembrance. It teems with life. Red foxes roam its grounds. Birds including the tawny owl buzzard and even ring-necked parakeets find shelter here. The grounds are a crucial part of Cologne’s green belt. It links the inner and outer green belts. A vital green corridor running from the Volksgarten through Vorgebirgspark all the way to Brühl and Bonn.
Within Cologne Southern Cemetery lie two notable war cemeteries. The Commonwealth War Cemetery a meticulously maintained site cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It’s home to over 3000 Commonwealth soldiers. Many died during World War I and II. Some served in the post-war occupation forces. Then there’s the Italian War Cemetery. It houses the remains of over 1900 Italian prisoners of war who died in German camps during World War I. This cemetery was initially owned by the Italian government. It is now under Cologne’s care. A transfer of ownership whose precise details have been lost to time. Another intriguing detail a silent footnote in history.
Beyond the war cemeteries lie numerous other graves. These include notable figures from Cologne’s past. Composers architects athletes and politicians all rest within this expansive green space. Many beautiful and historically significant family tombs are tucked amongst the trees. Some are even available for patronage a unique opportunity to connect with Cologne’s heritage. Take for example the Hummerich tomb. It secretly housed Cologne’s valuables during World War II. A story uncovered in a Cologne newspaper decades later.
Cologne Southern Cemetery is not just a place of remembrance. It is a park a wildlife sanctuary a historical archive. It’s a place where the past whispers secrets to the living. As you leave today take a moment to appreciate the quiet beauty and the rich stories it holds.