“People by the river.” That’s what the name Sallern means. We are standing at Friedhof Sallern in Regensburg. This final resting place holds stories of faith, loss and community. Let’s step back in time.
Sallern’s history stretches back to the Illyrians around 500 BC. Later Kelts and Bavarians settled here. Sallern remained a small village for centuries. The Pfarrei Mariä Himmelfahrt in Sallern is the oldest parish in the area. It was first mentioned in 1161.
Now, focus on the Friedhof Sallern. After the expulsion of the Jews from Regensburg in 1519 some found refuge in Sallern and Stadtamhof. These areas were outside Regensburg’s jurisdiction at the time. A Jewish community existed here from 1519 to 1577. Both Sallern and Stadtamhof had their own synagogues. In Sallern it was located on the site of the later catholic rectory.
Between Sallern and Stadtamhof there is a street called “Am Judenhof”. This street was possibly the Jewish cemetery of Sallern and Stadtamhof between 1519 and 1575. Imagine the solemn processions. People mourned their loved ones here. This place marks a significant period in the history of Regensburg’s Jewish community.
The residents of Sallern had to switch their confession several times. Starting in 1528/29, the Sallerner were drawn to the Lutheran faith. In 1555, Elector Ottheinrich declared the Evangelical faith the state religion. Then in 1623, Sallern and the Upper Palatinate returned to Bavaria. Elector Maximilian I converted the residents to Catholicism.
For almost 800 years Wutzlhofen belonged to the parish of Sallern. Many residents of Wutzlhofen were baptized and married in the parish church of Sallern. They were buried here. This created close ties between the village and the church. Even though Wutzlhofen was assigned to St Konrad parish, the old bonds remain. The residents of Wutzlhofen feel connected to the church in Sallern through graves in the Friedhof Sallern.
In 1870 the residents of Wutzlhofen enlarged the chapel without the priest of Sallern’s knowledge. They bought a bell. The priest was taken by surprise. But after the Bishop of Regensburg agreed, he reconsecrated the chapel and bell.
Today, Friedhof Sallern provides a place of reflection. It reminds us of the ever-changing nature of faith and community. Consider the lives that have shaped this place. As you leave Friedhof Sallern, remember the people by the river.