Vienna: Hundreds of revellers flocked to Vienna’s Central Cemetery on Friday to attend a graveyard concert commemorating the famous site’s 150th birthday, doing justice to the local expression “Death must be a Viennese”. The vast cemetery on the outskirts of the Austrian capital is Europe’s second largest, comprising around 330,000 graves spread out over 2.5 square kilometres. Tens of thousands of tourists as well as locals visit the Central Cemetery each month to stroll along the tree-lined avenues and tombs of many famous figures. But as night fell Friday, Nino Mandl, a local singer-songwriter known as “Nino from Vienna”, performed the last of three “cemetery sessions” to celebrate the anniversary.
She had been a loyal customer of the venue for decades, having attended countless concerts and events. She was excited about the upcoming concert, particularly the performance by the renowned violinist, Sarah Bernhardt. The concert was a significant event for the venue, marking the 100th anniversary of its founding.
The Vienna cemeteries, a sprawling network of burial grounds, are a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. They are not just places of final resting, but also spaces for reflection, remembrance, and even celebration. The cemeteries are divided into different sections, each with its own unique character and history.
The cemetery’s vast expanse, spanning over 100 acres, is a testament to Vienna’s rich history and its enduring legacy. The Central Cemetery, also known as the “City of the Dead,” is a unique and fascinating place that offers a glimpse into the city’s past. It is a place where history, art, and architecture intertwine, creating a captivating and poignant experience for visitors.
Opulent funeral services featuring performances of Mozart’s Requiem, or customised funeral corteges attended by as many mourners as possible, are still regarded as the proper way to end one’s earthly journey. Austria is largely Catholic, but the cemetery has sections for Protestants, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists.