Pfarrfriedhof

Is it possible for a place to hold centuries of stories within its walls? Here at the Pfarrfriedhof, the weight of history is almost tangible. You see, the Pfarrfriedhof isn’t just any cemetery. It’s a silent chronicle of Penzing, dating back to the 13th century. Imagine, for over 600 years, the people of Penzing, and even Breitensee, laid their loved ones to rest on these very grounds. The original Pfarrfriedhof, established around the St. Jakob Church, was much larger than what we see today. It encompassed the present church park, parts of Cumberlandstraßse, the plaza at the main entrance, and the open space by the south side of the church, all embraced by the old cemetery wall. As Penzing grew, so did the need for a larger resting place. By the early 1800s, the need for a new cemetery became clear. Franz Xaver von Mayr, lord of Penzing Manor at the time, recognized this need and proposed a new burial ground. But his efforts were met with resistance by the authorities. It wasn’t until after the revolution of 1848, with the abolishment of the manor system, that the community of Penzing, led by Mayor Töpfel, could finally consider a new cemetery. In a twist of fate, it was Pfarrer Huber, a staunch advocate for the old cemetery, who secured its legacy. He not only preserved the Pfarrfriedhof around the church but also, with the Archbishop’s blessing, acquired land from the church’s assets for a new cemetery. This new cemetery, consecrated in 1859, continues to serve Penzing to this day. So, as you stand here, amidst the tranquility of the Pfarrfriedhof, remember you’re walking through centuries of Penzing’s history. Each headstone, each inscription, whispers a story of life, love, and loss, a testament to the enduring connection between the living and the departed.