How many souls rest here? The Ostfriedhof in Essen is more than just a burial ground. It is a journey through time and art.
The Ostfriedhof was established in 1893. It resides within a residential area. Today, it spans 8.5 hectares. This green space offers a quiet contrast to city life.
In 1910, the main portal was erected. Edmund Körner designed it. This portal on Saarbrücker Straße suffered damage in World War II. It was rebuilt in a simpler style. Two 5-meter stone pillars hold an iron gate. Sculptures symbolize both grief and hope. The Stiftung zur Verschönerung der Stadt Essen funded renovations. Around 20,000€ was invested in 2017. The pillars were repaired and rooms refitted. In 2018, an additional 6,000€ allowed for interior renovations. These rooms now serve as storage.
The Ostfriedhof boasts a park-like setting. Its paths are laid out in a grid. A tall crucifix marks the center. One path connects the main gate to the southeast. Another runs from the chapel in the northeast to the southwest. The northeastern part has large grave sites. The southwestern area features smaller Reihengräber.
In 1955, 150 graves were moved here. They came from the Friedhof am Kettwiger Tor. This cemetery was cleared for the Ruhrschnellweg. Families were contacted about the relocation. The city reburied remains respectfully. Grabfelder 5 and 6 received many gravestones. These areas were damaged during the war. The stones were placed loosely to maintain a park-like feel.
Grabfeld 5 also holds Catholic clergy graves. Peter Beising is among them. A life-size sculpture of the Good Shepherd stood here. It was erected in 1961. Sadly, metal thieves stole it in 2013. A new cross marks Clemens Alexander Freiherr von Asbeck’s grave. He was the last Hofbeamte. There is also a special area for stillborn infants. It is near Elisabeth Krankenhaus. Nearby lies the “Ordens der Schwestern von der heiligen Elisabeth” plot.
The current Friedhofskapelle was completed in 1957. Kölsch & Kölsch designed it. It replaced an older chapel destroyed in the war. Edmund Körner designed the original chapel. It was built in 1897.
Many prominent figures rest in Ostfriedhof. Gottschalk Diedrich Baedeker is one. He founded the G. D. Baedeker publishing house. Gustav Hache, a former mayor, is buried here. Diether Krebs, the actor, also rests here. Mary Wigman, a famous dancer, is also interred here.
Today, the Ostfriedhof is a place for reflection. Its address is Saarbrücker Straße 45138 Essen. It opens daily from 7:30 to 21:00. The Stadt Essen manages it. Contact them at +49 201 8867600. The Ostfriedhof in Essen is more than a cemetery. It is a green haven. It honors Essen’s past.