Might you be surprised to learn that the Kagraner Friedhof holds stories stretching back centuries? This serene resting place in Vienna’s Donaustadt wasn’t always here. Let’s step back in time to understand its origins.
The Kagraner Friedhof is located in the northwest of Donaustadt. It lies in the district part of Kagran. The address is Goldemundweg 11.
Originally, the deceased were buried around the Kagraner Pfarrkirche. The surrounding villages like Stadlau and Hirschstetten also belonged to this parish. So, their dead found their final place here as well. The cemetery was expanded in 1737. A mortuary was built in 1811. Sadly, an ice drift destroyed it in 1830. It was never rebuilt. There was also a separate plague cemetery east of the church. A plague cross still marks its location.
As Kagran’s population grew, a new cemetery became necessary. So, the Kagraner Friedhof was established north of the town. It was consecrated on July 3, 1887. The old cemetery was closed. It was transformed into a church square in 1902. The Kagraner Friedhof expanded in 1908, 1919, 1954, 1966 and 1988.
In 1966, the old mortuary was replaced. Josef Strelec designed the new building. Erich Boltenstern designed the mortuary room. Hermann Bauch created a mosaic and stained glass window for the entrance. Viktor Hammer designed the bronze crucifix.
The Kagraner Friedhof covers 55,781 square meters. It contains 8,175 graves. Franz Müller manages the Kagraner Friedhof.
Here lie some notable figures. Franz Hohenberger was a painter. Johann Knoll was a city councilor. Erich Kuchar was a chamber singer. Rudolf Schaffer and Ludwig Stumper were victims of the February Uprising of 1934. Eveline Andrlik was a politician. Ludwig Babinski was an orchestra leader. Heinz Binder was a soccer player. Wilhelm Filla was an adult educator. Adolf Huber was a soccer player. Kurt Jaggberg was an actor, screenwriter, and director. Frank Lester was a television presenter. Theophilus Muth was a parish priest. Franz Pixner was a sculptor. Josef Pleyl was a politician. Ludwig Popper was a doctor. Roman Polt was a jazz trumpeter. Anton Strömer was a resistance fighter. Franz Swoboda was a soccer player. Andreas Urteil was a sculptor. Karl Wölfl was a cyclist.
The Kagraner Friedhof is more than just a burial ground. It is a testament to Kagran’s history. It reflects the changing times and the lives of its residents. Take a moment to reflect on the stories held within these grounds. The Kagraner Friedhof is a place of remembrance and respect.