Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

The Unique Charm of Dorotheenstadt Cemetery: A Piece of History in Berlin

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

St. Dorotheenstadt Cemetery is a beautiful historical site located in the midst of actively functioning streets of Berlin, Germany. Being one of the oldest burying grounds located in the city, it was established in the late 18th century and the place is rather interesting for visitors as historical and cultural site. For anyone interested in listening and learning more about the history of Berlin, it is an absolute essential visit.

Historically analyzing the development of cemetery: the case of Dorotheenstadt Cemetery

Nonetheless, the cemetery of Historical Significance, which is also referred to as Friedhof I der Dorotheenstädtischen und Friedrichswerderschen Gemeinden or the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery, was created in 1762 in the Kingdom of Ruler Frederick the Great. It was initially only a little part of the current size, but, through the years it has expanded and covers about 17 acres now.

The combination of architectural motifs reflects the general tendencies of the periods in which the cemetery began to change and turn into an artistic display, a gallery of tombstones. First, it was in a Baroque and all the pathways were strategic, there were organized groups of tombstones and the sculptures were also elaborate ones. It later took the elements of the Romantics and transformed the cemetery into one that looked natural over time. This is evidenced in natural serenity by the enhanced beauty of the landscape, the created paths and tranquility of being surrounded by old trees for those who roam around the area.

Burial Grounds for important personalities

Many of the prominent historical personalities Berlin has ever produced are buried here at the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery. Among these are some very famous people’s graves: for example, the grave of the German dramatist and poet Bertolt Brecht who is the author of such pieces as The Threepenny Opera and Mother Courage and Her Children. Looking like a wooden bench in a park, Brecht’s tomb is now a popular object of a pilgrimage for literary fans from all corners of the globe.

Another well-known grave in the cemetery is that which belongs to the eternally important German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. The Hegelian philosophy presupposed a key significance in development of the Western World with specific reference to politics, history and art. Today, no one can come to Dorotheenstadt Cemetery to visit the grave of Hegel and put flowers on it and write the words which everyone who entered the cemetery will see – ‘The spirit which is present in all of us.’

The article focuses on the art work in stone carving and metal objects.

Art relics and a true masterpiece of art can be seen from tombstones as well as monuments in the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery. All these artworks not only helped to honor the dead but also explain the styles that dominated their time.

A clear example is the grave of Sculptor Johann Gottfried Schadow who is not buried there but has a headstone dedicated to him. This monument is a splendid example of neoclassicism with the sculptural work done by Rudolf Schadow, the son of Schadow The sculpture is a woman weeping with a funereal urn at her feet.

Further, many fine examples of nineteenth-century graveyard ornaments are represented in Cemetery, namely monument to the German Romantic writer and poet Heinrich von Kleist. Designed by the famous sculptor Christian Daniel Rauch, a mourning couple – man and woman is interpreted as grief and mourning.

A application of the creation of place for the purpose of reflection and remembrance.

Thus, although Dorotheenstadt Cemetery maybe thought of as an important place to visit because of its history it is much more than a historical site. He used it as a place of thinking as well as a place for visitors to come, to learn about history, pay tribute, and respect for the departed.

Many people come to the cemetery to spend the time and many people come to the cemetery looking for peace and quiet. Large expansive greens, well-grown trees and aesthetical graves give the tombs an atmosphere of tranquil. The integration of nature and professionals’ work is really inspiring, that is why people can feel the relish of the being away from the city life even if only for a few hours.

A few minutes of discussion about the general atmosphere at the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery it is hard to remain untouched, warm emotions only. It stimulates reflection about life, time and generations for both residents and guests in the museum. It remains as a proof of history and worth established with each tombstone of every individual that was buried there.

Discovering the Best of the Germany’s Capital

Every time you travel to Berlin with the intention to see at least one cemetery, do not skip Dorotheenstadt Cemetery. Casting himself as a media impresario, it gives a special and stimulating vantage point – history, art, architecture and spiritual sounding-board. While walking along the gravestones and monuments, you stand a chance to marvel at uniquely crafted gravestones and appreciate effort and dedication of those who influenced the culture of Berlin.

For us it is important that you come and visit us, take your time, read the inscriptions, enjoy the surrounding and discover the gem in the middle of Berlin. In fact, the number of active graves in the cemetery of Dorotheenstadt can be counted on a few hands, but the cemetery still turns into a statement inviting one to think about the meaning of life and death and about how much every person can achieve in his lifetime.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free