Solemn silence blankets the Oberer Stadtfriedhof. Here lies a place of peace in Klosterneuburg. The Oberer Stadtfriedhof or Upper City Cemetery holds stories within its grounds. It is more than just a final resting place. Let’s explore its history.
The Oberer Stadtfriedhof was established in 1844. It was moved from its original location at Stiftsplatz. Before 1844 the cemetery was located near the Stiftskirche. People considered this location unsanitary. The city decided a new cemetery outside the city walls was needed. The Unterer Stadtfriedhof or Lower City Cemetery near St. Martin’s Church also faced sanitary concerns. A merger of the cemeteries was considered but not done.
The Stift Klosterneuburg acquired land. This land was between Wisentgasse and Meynertgasse. The Stift then gave it to the city. This was for the purpose of creating a new cemetery for the upper city. The Stift agreed to erect a portal a cross and a mortuary. The city took responsibility for maintaining these structures. The city also took responsibility for building the enclosure. Residents of the upper city paid taxes for this upkeep. Those unable to pay could contribute through manual labor. The city ensured free burial for Stift members in the Chorherren crypt.
The Oberer Stadtfriedhof’s official opening was on October 13 1840. Lorenzo Mattielli’s portal was moved here in 1844. It originally stood at Stiftsplatz since 1734. The Stift’s burial chapel was inaugurated on November 5 1847. Carl Roesner designed the chapel. Leopold Kupelwieser created the fresco inside. It depicts the Resurrection on the Last Day.
Soon after its opening the cemetery faced a shortage of space. The city considered expanding the Oberer Stadtfriedhof. One option was expansion to the right. This provided easier access. This would affect the symmetry. The entrance portal and burial chapel would no longer be central. Expansion towards Buchberg was another option. This would maintain symmetry. The space would be smaller. The cemetery would be divided into irregular sections. A drainage canal would be necessary. Transporting bodies would be harder. The existing road would separate the old and new sections. The district doctor the Stift’s treasurer and the chancellery director had no objections. The municipal council decided on August 23 1870 to expand to the right. They used the Fuchs and Ehrendorfer grounds. They considered a later expansion to the left. This would restore symmetry. The Stift provided a loan for financing.
Notable figures rest here. August Wilhelm von Babo a viticulture researcher is buried here. Eugen Bormann an ancient historian and epigrapher also rests here. Fritz Eckhardt a famous actor writer singer and director is also located here.
The cemetery boasts historical and classicist monuments. A Soviet war graves site from World War II exists on the grounds. The high cemetery cross is made of cast iron. The Romanesque Revival cemetery chapel is Carl Roesner’s creation. A crypt for canons lies beneath the simple square building. Large arched windows adorn the chapel. A portal displays the coat of arms of Stift Klosterneuburg. The interior features a ribbed vault. Leopold Kupelwieser’s mural shows the resurrection of the dead.
Lorenzo Mattielli created the Baroque cemetery portal toward Friedhofgasse. He also created the Pietà in Stift Klosterneuburg’s cloister. The portal includes sculptures. A Pietà adored by angels appears. Suffering souls in purgatory are shown. Symbols of mortality like skulls and bones decorate the gate.
Today the Oberer Stadtfriedhof stands as a protected historical site. It offers a glimpse into Klosterneuburg’s past. The Oberer Stadtfriedhof is a place of reflection and remembrance. Take a moment to appreciate the art history and stories held within.