When it comes to discovery of historical and cultural significance of Berlin, most travel enthusiasts tend to miss out on the city’s cemeteries. But these quiet and picturesque places give quite an interesting impression and help to learn more about the history of the city. In the course of this blog post, we are going to highlight on some of the reasons why the cemeteries in Berlin are places of interest.
The Historical Significance
Take a tour through some of the historic burial grounds of Berlin and you’ll certainly be able to learn more about the place. Burials are here for genius whose work became the legacy for Berlin life –artists, philosophers, politicians and scientists. It could be admired visiting these cemeteries and remember important personalities and, at the same time recognize the history of the city.
Historic Cemeteries as Cultural Heritage The main issue with the claims of historic cemeteries as cultural heritages is that there is no breakdown of the principles that apply to the real image or examples of these cemeteries, nor is there a distinction of the types and kinds of cemeteries that are explored today.
One of the Berlin’s oldest cemetery is Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, the cemetery contains burial of many famous people like the Brother Brothers Grimm who were collectors of fairy tales.
Brothers Grimm Grave
Another substantial burial ground is the French Cemetery in Berlin-Kreuzberg where French refugees and soldiers who sooner or later ended up in Berlin are buried. This cemetery has been an epitome of diplomatic relations and reveals some aspect of Berlin ’s relations with France.
Aesthetic Characteristics of Architectural and Artistic Kind
Actually, besides definite historical significance, the cemeteries of Berlin have become places with remarkable examples of architecture and artwork. A number of them boast of attractive carved idols, tall and clearly-cut tombstones, andered and manicured gardens enough to provide a peaceful setting for pensive walk.
Cemetery Sculpture
For example, the chapel at the St. Hedwig Cemetery is built in neo-Gothic style of architecture and the Parkfriedhof Lichterfelde has a fine setting in a park. These qualities make these cemeteries ideal for anyone who wants to take a leisurely walk or anyone who wants to appreciate art, beauty and design.
Reflection and Remembrance
Berlin’s historic cemeteries are scenic areas with serenity in which people can exercise their factual memory and remember those who are no longer alive. If you have a family relation to the city or just want to gain some quiet time and pay a respect, walking these cemeteries will be a good chance.
Tips for Exploring Cemeteries
- Do not interfere with the graves I some cases, it is good to go in the cemetery with headphones, avoid playing loud music etc.
- Enjoy the view of the architecture and the environment to have enough time for those thoughts.
- It might be worth availing yourself of a guided tour to absorb more of the background of this cemetery.
- Tourism attractions should be toured at off peak hours so that this will help reduce overcrowdness of the areas.
Conclusion
Visiting old graves in Berlin is informative because it helps to feel the history and spirit of the city: to appreciate architectural masterpieces and enjoy the calmness of deathly silence. A secret you’re likely to stumble upon, these cemeteries are also a great way of enjoying a different aspect of Berlin’s culture. Thus, who could possibly resist the urge of going to Berlin to take a stroll around those late medieval cemeteries?
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