Listen closely. The story of Bergfriedhof began long ago.
Welcome to the Bergfriedhof in Stuttgart. It is a place of peace and remembrance. This cemetery offers a glimpse into Stuttgart’s past. Let us explore its history.
The Bergfriedhof was established in 1885. It served the residents of Berg. Berg was then a suburb of Stuttgart. The name Bergfriedhof reflects this origin. The cemetery covers about two hectares. It is divided into sections. Originally, there were 19 sections. Today, only some remain. Sections 6, 9, and 15 through 17 no longer exist.
Within the Bergfriedhof, several buildings stand. A service building sits near the main entrance. There is also a mortuary. Three memorials honor those who died in the World Wars. These memorials remind us of the past.
The cemetery expanded over time. In the early years, new sections were added. Between 1898 and 1921, part of the land was repurposed. This land was used to build the Lukaskirche, the Realschule Ostheim, and the Wohnkolonie Rotenbergstraße.
Originally, a cemetery chapel stood near the main entrance. Sadly, it was destroyed in World War II. Between 1900 and 1901, a mortuary was built. Albert Pantle designed both the mortuary and the service building. Later, in 1979, a cemetery hall was added next to the mortuary.
Let’s reflect on the memorials here at Bergfriedhof. The memorial for World War I reads: “Dem Andenken der Gefallenen 1914-1918.” Another memorial honors fallen members of a sports club. It covers both World Wars. The World War II memorial is dedicated to those who fell in 1945. It features a mourning figure and five memorial stones.
Here at the Bergfriedhof there are graves of notable people. Karl Behringer was a master builder. Ernst Burghard co-owned the Mineralbad Berg. Karl Dempel sen was a master plumber. Luitpold Fischer was a wood sculptor. Siegmund Franz Karl Freiherr von Gemmingen-Hornberg lived here. Paul Haußer was a foreman and builder. Ludwig Leuze owned the Mineralbad Leuze. Alfred Lörcher was a sculptor. Philipp Leopold Martin was a naturalist. Wilhelm Mauz owned a dye works and water motor factory. Friedrich Neuner founded the Mineralbad Berg. Paul Rießler was a Catholic theologian.
Consider the artistry found here. A metal cross with a flower wreath marks one grave. Another features a bronze relief of a seated mourner. A wooden Madonna with child adorns another. One grave has a stone relief of a bird feeding its young.
The Bergfriedhof is surrounded by several landmarks. These include the Lukaskirche. Also nearby are the Karl-Olga-Krankenhaus and the Realschule Ostheim. The Wohnkolonie Rotenbergstraße and the Hauptzollamt are also close.
Today, Bergfriedhof has around 3,500 graves. It offers a final resting place in the heart of Stuttgart-Ostheim. This is a peaceful place of respect and quiet remembrance.
Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of the Bergfriedhof. Remember the stories and the history held within these grounds.