Friedhof Lainz

Beneath the shadow of the Küniglberg, where the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) now stands, lies Friedhof Lainz. This small, almost hidden cemetery holds centuries of Viennese history within its walls. Friedhof Lainz is a quiet sanctuary. It contrasts sharply with the bustling city and the modern architecture of the ORF. The current Friedhof Lainz wasn’t the first burial ground in Lainz. An older cemetery existed near the Lainz parish church. It was established as early as 1736, alongside a newly built church. The old cemetery expanded over the years, with a wooden mortuary added in 1758. However, by 1876, this original cemetery was closed by the district authorities. It was eventually transformed into a garden with a children’s playground. The new Friedhof Lainz we see today was established in 1876. It was intended to serve both Lainz and the neighboring Speising. The first burial took place in June 1876. By 1905, the cemetery covered over 4,500 square meters. Its surrounding wall underwent reconstruction in 1912. Interestingly, the Vienna City Council decided in 1923 to halt new burials at Friedhof Lainz. This ban remained in effect for a decade, lifting in 1934. Burials were then permitted until the end of 1960. The old mortuary was replaced in 1936 with a brick mortuary chapel. It featured a bell tower and was designed by the architect Karl Ehn, who also designed the iconic Karl-Marx-Hof. This chapel was consecrated in 1937. Yet just a year later, the city again restricted new burials at Friedhof Lainz, allowing only pre-existing plots to be used. During World War II, an anti-aircraft barracks was located on the site now occupied by the ORF, right next to Friedhof Lainz. The post-war era saw renovations to the mortuary chapel. The cemetery’s wooden fence was also renewed. Despite a 1965 decision by the City Council to close Friedhof Lainz, along with several other cemeteries, public opinion prevailed. A referendum in 1980 led to the reversal of the closure decision. Friedhof Lainz was saved, thanks to the voices of the Viennese people. Among the notable figures resting at Friedhof Lainz are architect Karl Ehn, artist Oskar Laske, and philosopher Sir Karl Popper. These honorary graves serve as reminders of Vienna’s rich artistic and intellectual heritage. Friedhof Lainz stands as a testament to Vienna’s evolving history. It offers a peaceful retreat and a poignant reminder of the lives that have shaped the city.