There is a beautiful cemetery in Cologne. It is called Melaten and was inaugurated in 1810. At that time there was the French occupation. For hygienic reasons, burials within the city walls were prohibited. Even before it was a refuge for leprosy patients, death ruled here: The site was the place of execution for the city of Cologne. The patients were not allowed to leave the premises until they were healed. Where does the name „Melaten“ come from? It probably derived from „malade“, which means „sick“ in French.
Today there are more than 55,000 graves in the cemetery, which is one of the largest in Germany. And then there is the cemetery boulevard. It is also called Millions Avenue, because everybody who had a reputation in Cologne and beyond lies on it. Temples and obelisks tower upwards. The old mausoleums were often used as an illegal hiding place for goods during World War II.
Visitors have to bring time with them today if they want to see many of the celebrity graves. There are those of the beer, perfume (4711), chocolate and publisher dynasties as well as those of well-known Cologne artists. Definitely worth seeing.
Address:
Cemetery Melaten, Aachener Strasse 204, 50931 Cologne, Germany
Public transport: Tram 1 and/or 7 till „Melaten“
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