How about a journey back in time right here at Friedhof Dottendorf? This small cemetery only covers 0.22 hectares. Friedhof Dottendorf came into being in 1844. Today the whole area is a listed monument.
The little village cemetery in Dottendorf was actually the second. The first one at the old parish church was full. So, in the early 1840s, the civil community bought this plot of land. Originally, the cemetery was outside the village on Rheinstraße. This street is now Dottendorfer Straße. The cemetery was consecrated in 1844. It was extended several times later. In 1894, the remains of those buried in the old cemetery were moved here.
But soon, Friedhof Dottendorf became too small as well. The local council considered moving the cemetery to Friesdorf. However, this never happened because of incorporations. Due to the district reform of 1904, Friedhof Dottendorf was closed in 1912. This happened after a new municipal cemetery was created which is called Südfriedhof.
What stands out on Friedhof Dottendorf with its dense tree population? It is the field of graves with crosses dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. The oldest one dates back to 1587. The Passion Cross from the 18th century shows Christ’s wounds. It is the focal point of the cemetery. There is a grave slab in front of it with an inscription that can no longer be read. Besides the village residents, four priests were buried at Friedhof Dottendorf. Their names were Lejeune and Lohe among others. Also two chaplains were buried here including Schüller and van Vecus.
The Friedhof Dottendorf is an official historical monument of the city of Bonn. It is registered as A 636. Take a moment to appreciate the history and tranquility of this special place. It is a testament to the lives and stories of those who came before us.