Life in the realm of the dead

The Sihlfeld cemetery is the largest continuous green space in downtown Zurich. It was built in 1877 as the city’s first denomination-neutral cemetery.

Measuring 200,000 square metres, it is open 365 days a year. The cemetery contains 10,600 plots and there are some 245 burials every year. These days 90% of the deceased in Switzerland are cremated.

The first two crematoriums in Switzerland were installed at the Sihlfield cemetery. In 1890, the poet Gottfried Keller was one the first prominent people to be cremated there. The crematoriums have been out of use since 1992 and now serve as rooms for funeral services.

In addition to being a last resting place for the dead, the cemetery is also being increasingly used for the living. It serves as a recreational area suitable for cultural and educational activities, and as a backdrop for movie and theatre performances.