Have you ever been to the first crematorium in Austria? No? Then look here! This is the Feuerhalle Simmering – a fascinating, almost mystical building. It was opened in 1922 by the then mayor of Vienna, Jakob Reumann, who was a strong supporter of cremation. He had to fight for it, though, because some religious groups considered cremation a pagan custom. But the Feuerhalle stood its ground and became a symbol of “Red Vienna”, the period of social democracy in the city. You can still see the influence of the city’s socialist past in the people honored here. It’s not just about mourning, but also about celebrating life. Clemens Holzmeister, the architect who built the Feuerhalle, designed it to resemble an oriental fortress. He took care to fit it into the walled gardens of the old Schloss Neugebäude, creating a peaceful setting. There are many important people buried here – mayors, artists, activists, and those who fought against oppression. Their stories are woven into the history of Vienna. Take your time, walk through the beautiful arcaded courtyard, and imagine the lives of these individuals. Each niche holds a story, each name a legacy. The Feuerhalle Simmering is a place where remembrance and reflection meet, where Vienna’s history comes alive.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to