photo :Kenny Louie
Let no-one say that the Austrian people lack a sense of occasion or don’t know how to have a thoroughly good time – whatever their age, colour or creed. Today we take a look at an Austrian day out with a difference. It’s a place where people are dying to go!
Vienna in the 1800s
Back in the 1800s enterprising Austrian administrators living in Vienna realised they would have a big problem in the years ahead, if they didn’t take prompt action and do something about it. The population was rising and the city’s capacity to accommodate all its citizens was shrinking.
So they decided to build a wondrous new world where they could go and be free from the stresses and strains of urban living. But there was a pressing problem. Not everyone shared their vision.
Ultimately, the denizens of the new dwellings didn’t really worry too much about the wonderful world into which they were plunged. Family and friends, however, were non-too-pleased to pass beyond the city limits in pursuit of family ties. To them the location of their loved ones was a tad too far from civilisation as they knew it.
Nearly twice as many people have since taken up residence in the alternative accommodation provided, compared to the number who live within the city limits today. They’re literally dying to go there!
Zentralfriedhof (or the Central Cemetery)
Europe’s second largest cemetery – one of 50 in Vienna – opened its floors to its first resident in 1874. On All Saints Day (01.11.1874) Jacob Zelzer was moved in. Followed later that same day by another 15 former citizens of Vienna’s charming city centre.
And although now some 80% of deceased Viennese make their final journey to their home among the evergreens, it wasn’t always the case. At first they wouldn’t come. Or rather, no-one would take them. So the creative thinking cemetery caretakers came up with a cunning plot. They turned it into a tourist attraction!
Along a long tree-lined avenue they placed a number of tombs of honour – known as Ehrengräber – housing the remains of such celebrities as Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Strauss. And soon the star struck citizens came in their carriages. Some stayed. Some didn’t.
A Tourist Attraction
The Zentralfriedhof is a simply stunning place to visit. And everyday except All Saints day, you can drive round it’s striking scenery making new friends and discovering the history of Vienna over the past 200 years. But this far from the best, for the enterprising Austrians have thought of everything. Why wait until you’re dead before taking a cemetery carriage ride?
The famous Fiakker now carry folk round in 4-man chariots, identifying the highlights and explaining the history of things like the Karl Leuger Kirche – an Art Nouveau church set in the cemetery and named after a former Mayor of Vienna. They speak of the many faiths that are represented in the hallowed earth and take you on a tour round the carefully crafted cenotaph (an empty tomb in memory of one of Austria’s famous sons – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart).
These tempting tours have to be booked in advance. They run Thursday to Sunday (April to September) between 10:00 and 16:30. For more information, see here.
But best of all, this salubrious cemetery is fully accessible – open to all!
As the authorities advise:
individual trips can be arranged, with pleasure..
Make of that what you will!
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