Kirchröder Friedhof

In 1864, the community surrounding the historic Jakobikirche in Hanover faced a growing problem. Their churchyard, first mentioned in 1295, was overflowing. Thus began the story of Kirchröder Friedhof. The community established Kirchröder Friedhof on Kleiner Hillen street. This new cemetery offered a peaceful resting place, a much-needed expansion beyond the crowded churchyard. Kirchröder Friedhof quickly became a vital part of the community. It became the final resting place for generations of Kirchrode residents. Wander through the older, western section of Kirchröder Friedhof. You’ll discover beautifully preserved gravestones dating back to the late 19th century. These stones mark the graves of prominent local families like the Borchers, Wulfs, Meyers, Bremers, and many more. The oldest surviving gravestones belong to Heinrich Rathing, an economist, and his wife Charlotte. He died in 1876 and she in 1881. In the older section you can also find the poignant Bödekerengel, a beautiful angel sculpture. It watches over the grave of the von Erich Flügel family. This discovery surprised local historians. They had believed only two of the original fifteen Bödekerengel sculptures, designed by Georg Hurtzig in 1854, still existed. Kirchröder Friedhof continued to evolve with the community. In 1951, the cemetery expanded southward, almost doubling its size to its current 0.87 hectares. This new section, aptly named the “New Part,” reflects the changing times. It contains the graves of significant figures from the post-World War II era, such as Gustav Bratke, Hanover’s first Oberstadtdirektor. His grave, maintained by the city as a place of honor, stands as a testament to his service. The New Part also holds the grave of the architect Ernst Zinsser, his legacy etched in stone alongside other notable figures. Today, Kirchröder Friedhof is more than just a cemetery. It is a living chronicle of Kirchrode’s history. It reflects the lives, losses, and enduring spirit of the community it serves.