Katholischer Friedhof

Within the bustling heart of Augsburg, lies a tranquil sanctuary, the Katholischer Friedhof. This isn’t just any cemetery. It’s a place where history whispers from ancient stones, a green oasis amidst the urban landscape. The Katholischer Friedhof, also known as Hermanfriedhof, first opened its gates in 1600. Imagine, Catholics in the late 16th century, requesting their own burial ground. The city council, after some deliberation, granted their request. For 600 florins, a garden was purchased from the Hospital-Stiftung, followed by another for 1,300 florins from Mars von Rehlingen. Located outside the city walls near the Gögginger Tor, the Katholischer Friedhof now rests within the city’s embrace. Consecrated by Weihbischof Sebastian Breuning, this 4.5-hectare sanctuary holds approximately 10,000 graves. St. Michael’s Church, nestled within the cemetery grounds, was consecrated in 1605. The Katholischer Friedhof isn’t simply a grid of graves. It’s divided into 16 distinct sections, one reserved for clergy and another for members of religious orders. The cemetery’s administration reflects Augsburg’s history as a free imperial city. The Katholischer Friedhofsverband Augsburg, comprised of Catholic church foundations like Hoher Dom, St. Anton, and St. Ulrich und Afra, still manages the grounds today. The Katholischer Friedhof also houses notable figures. Joseph Franz von Allioli, a renowned Catholic theologian, rests here, along with Placidus Braun, a Benedictine monk and church historian. You’ll also find the graves of Bruno Bushart, former director of Augsburg’s art collections, and Karl Haberstock, the controversial art dealer. As you wander the paths of the Katholischer Friedhof, consider the lives lived and the stories etched in stone. This is more than a cemetery. It is a living testament to Augsburg’s rich history and a peaceful haven in the heart of the city.