Vienna’s Central Cemetery is an evolving sanctuary of both peace and faith that was established during the reign of Emperor Franz Josef The First.

A special committee was made responsible for this project, and where it would be sited, and several municipalities that were not part of Vienna at the time, were considered, geologically, by size, and distance to the city. Finally, Kaiserbersdorf prevailed and on 22nd December, 1869, the committee approved the purchase.

The tombs of Beethoven and Schubert are to be found in the cemetery along with those of Johann Strauss, king of the waltz, surrounded by angels with violins. Brahms ponders, with beard and solemn expression while Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart makes a nominal appearance as he is buried at the Saint Marx Cemetery.

From the main gate a wide avenue leads to the mighty Memorial Church that is dedicated to Saint Borromaus. On May 11th, 1908, the foundation-stone ceremony for the construction of the church took place. Its architecture and interior is similar to that of Vienna’s Steinhof Church. The historical architecture of the building, also known as the Karl Lueger Memorial Church after the former mayor of Vienna, is one of the most important art nouveau buildings in Vienna.

Vienna’s Central Cemetery is the final resting place for those of all religions, situated in a beautiful park with impressive flora and fauna: the splendid Necropolis of the Viennese!