Tranquility reigns at Katholischer Friedhof Mengede. This peaceful cemetery nestles between the Mengeder Heide and the Emscher River. It’s a place of quiet reflection a place where Dortmund’s past lives on.
The Katholischer Friedhof Mengede wasn’t always here. The original cemetery in Mengede was too small. It couldn’t accommodate the growing population. New burial grounds couldn’t be built within the village. So a new Catholic cemetery was established outside of Mengede near the Cologne-Minden railway.
This is where the story of Katholischer Friedhof Mengede begins. It was consecrated in 1898. It’s situated at the intersection of Königsheide and Waltroper Strasse. The site occupies 2.8 hectares. It features various burial plots and an impressive Resurrection Chapel. This chapel serves as a venue for funeral services. It is also the point of departure for the burial rites.
Later the independent municipality of Mengede became part of Dortmund in 1928. The administration of Mengede’s cemeteries transferred to the Dortmund City Cemeteries. A new district cemetery was needed in Mengede. The population had exploded due to industrialization. Existing burial sites were overwhelmed. So a new cemetery was opened in 1931.
The Katholischer Friedhof Mengede is remarkably designed. Its rectangular layout is unique. Unlike other cemeteries of that era it lacks a central main avenue. Individual burial plots are arranged in a semicircular fashion. They are richly planted offering a natural idyllic atmosphere. In the 1950s a new administration building was constructed. It includes an office and a small chapel. This chapel is used for funeral services. A bird sanctuary was created in the western part of the cemetery. Many native songbirds now live there.
Today Katholischer Friedhof Mengede covers about 4.8 hectares. It is one of the mid-sized cemeteries in Dortmund. The main entrance is on the north side. The administration building and chapel are nearby. The cemetery has a peaceful quiet location on Dortmund’s northeastern outskirts. It borders the Mengeder Heide. The Beerenbruch nature reserve lies a short distance to the west.
The cemetery is easily accessible by public transport. The Grosse Riedbruchstrasse bus stop is close to the main entrance. Am Schlagbaum and Freihofstrasse stops are a short walk away. Parking is available on the north side of the Katholischer Friedhof Mengede. This tranquil haven has served Dortmund for over a century. The stories of the lives buried here continue to shape the city’s history. Walk amongst its paths feel its history breathe its calm.