Remember those yellow brick walls? They enclose more than just graves. This is the Friedhof IV der Jerusalems- und Neuen Kirche. It is the final resting place for artists, composers, and influential Berliners.
The Friedhof IV der Jerusalems- und Neuen Kirche opened on June 2 1852. It was the last and smallest cemetery of the Jerusalems- und Neuen Kirchengemeinde. The cemetery covers almost 30800 square meters. It is located between two other cemeteries. These are the Friedrichswerderschen Gemeinde and the Luisenstädtischen Kirchhof.
Imagine this area in 1852. The Friedhof IV der Jerusalems- und Neuen Kirche was a neatly organized space. Six burial fields lined a wide central path. In 1863, the community expanded the cemetery. They added six more fields creating a second main path. Linden trees were planted along the main and side paths in 1864.
Take a moment to observe the architecture. In 1873, a yellow brick wall with iron bars replaced the fence. This was designed by J. Heydemann. The red brick administration building dates back to 1888. Louis Arnd built the Neo-Romanesque chapel near the entrance between 1891 and 1892. Notice its open arcade.
Many important people are buried here at Friedhof IV der Jerusalems- und Neuen Kirche. Rikard Nordraak the composer of the Norwegian national anthem was buried here. Charlotte Birch-Pfeiffer a playwright and actress also rests here. Max Weber a jurist and politician is buried here. Sculptor Fritz Schaper and painter Franz Jaffé are also interred here.
Pause for a moment by the southern boundary. The most magnificent tombs and mausoleums are located here. The classical terracotta wall tomb of the Dankberg family is stunning. Also, do not miss the tomb of paper manufacturer Krause. It is one of Berlin’s most impressive Art Nouveau burial sites. The Borchardt and Jordan family mausoleums are also worth seeing.
The Friedhof IV der Jerusalems- und Neuen Kirche is part of a larger cemetery complex. The other cemeteries of the Jerusalems- und Neuen Kirche are located near Hallesches Tor. Another cemetery is on Hermannstraße in Neukölln.
Consider the history of the churches themselves. Around 1900, the Jerusalemskirche lost members. It merged with the Neue Kirche. The Jerusalemskirche building was sold to the Romanian state in 1943. A bomb destroyed it in 1945. In 1961, the ruins were removed. Today, the Axel-Springer-Haus stands on part of the site.
Remember that many East Berliners could not visit after the Berlin Wall was built. The Friedhof IV der Jerusalems- und Neuen Kirche also contains a war graves section. Here lie 123 victims of war and tyranny.
Before we move on take one last look around. The Friedhof IV der Jerusalems- und Neuen Kirche is not just a burial ground. It’s a testament to Berlin’s rich history and artistic legacy. It shows the lives of people who shaped the city.