What secrets do these weathered stones hold? Here at Alter Zwölf-Apostel-Friedhof, we find ourselves surrounded by history. It is a serene garden in the heart of Berlin-Schöneberg. This is no ordinary cemetery. Alter Zwölf-Apostel-Friedhof is one of Berlin’s most significant burial grounds from an artistic and cultural history perspective.
Founded in 1864, Alter Zwölf-Apostel-Friedhof began as the first cemetery for the Twelve Apostles parish. Back then, this location was far beyond the city limits. The military provided the land. Over time, the cemetery expanded. By 1879, the main area was complete.
Carl David Bouché, a royal garden inspector, designed Alter Zwölf-Apostel-Friedhof in 1864. Bouché also worked at the nearby Botanical Garden. His original layout of the cemetery has remained. The main paths lined with linden trees still exist. New plants and fortifications have been added over the years.
Originally, a late-classical chapel and hall stood here. Sadly, they were destroyed in 1944. Today, buildings from 1957 and later designs define the landscape. The entrance on Kolonnenstraße leads through a modern apartment building.
The cemetery has representative family tombs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These line the outer walls. They create an almost complete artistic look. It resembles an Italian Campo Santo. This level of preservation is rare for Berlin cemeteries of this time.
The Alter Zwölf-Apostel-Friedhof boasts many exceptional artistic designs. Many prominent figures rest here. Ernst Wichert, a writer, is buried here. Ludwig Darmstaedter, a scientist, also calls this place his last rest. Politicians Bernhard von Bülow and Friedrich Naumann rest here. Composers Moritz Jaffé and Robert Radecke were also buried here. Historian Johann Gustav Droysen rests in peace on this ground.
Sculptors Reinhold Begas and Ernst Herter are among the notable artists buried here. Their graves feature galvanised bronze figures. These details highlight the cemetery’s importance.
Between 1996 and 1998, the Historical Churchyards and Cemeteries Foundation carried out preservation work. They restored historical graves using funds from the German Lottery. Now, grave sponsorships help preserve even more monuments at Alter Zwölf-Apostel-Kirchhof.
Many other famous people are buried here. Bertha von Arnswaldt was a famous salonnière. Lotte Backes was a pianist and composer. Heinrich Bertram was a respected teacher and politician. Architects Wilhelm Böckmann and Richard Brademann rest here. Ludwig Brunow was a sculptor. Bernhard Ernst von Bülow was a diplomat. Paul Eduard Crodel was a painter. Max Duncker was a historian and politician. Alexander von Falz-Fein and Friedrich von Falz-Fein both founded animal parks. Ernst Eduard Fürstenau was an educator. Rudolf Genée was a writer and historian. Carl Georg Anton Graeb was a royal painter. Friedrich Hammacher was a business leader. Ernst Herter was a sculptor. Reinhold Koser was a historian. Friedrich Naumann was a theologian and social politician. Robert Radecke was a composer. Franz Reuleaux was an engineer and professor. Anton von Werner was a historical painter. Ernst Wichert was a writer.
A unique chapel designed by Georg Lichtfuss was built in 1957. Alfred Kothe created the colorful mosaic windows. These windows fill the space with light. Glass doors open to the main path. They offer a dignified start to the final walk after funeral services.
The Alter Zwölf-Apostel-Friedhof offers various tours. These tours highlight its cultural significance. The cemetery also serves as a vital green space in the city. Cultural events and film screenings take place in the chapel.