Gamla Kyrkogarden (Old Graveyard), Malmo

The Old Graveyard (Gamla Kyrkogarden), located at Gustav Adolfs Square in the heart of Malmö, is a tranquil and historically significant site dating back to the early 19th century. The cemetery was established between 1820 and 1822, and officially consecrated on November 24, 1822, with Bishop Wilhelm Faxe presiding over the inauguration. Initially known as the New Cemetery, it retained this title until 1870, when the northern section of Saint Pauli Cemetery opened, prompting the older site to be renamed the Old Graveyard.

The cemetery offers a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors, serving as both a place of reflection and a unique open-air museum of Malmö’s past. Strolling along the shaded paths, one can discover inscriptions on gravestones that tell the stories of families who were instrumental in shaping Malmö's development during the 1800s and early 1900s. The diversity of memorials, ranging from modest headstones to elaborate sculptures adorned with intricate inscriptions, adds to the graveyard’s charm and historic ambiance.

One of the notable features of the Old Graveyard is a sculpture by the renowned Swedish artist Carl Milles. Titled “God the Father on the Arch of Heaven,” the sculpture depicts an angel peering upward, assisting God the Father as he arranges the stars. Although this piece is a smaller model of a grander work that was never completed, it stands as a testament to Milles’ artistic vision and serves as a point of interest for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Despite being an active cemetery with occasional urn burials, the Old Graveyard is primarily maintained as a cultural heritage site. Since 1988, a memorial grove has been available for those seeking a final resting place in this historic ground. Preservation efforts ensure that gravestones, iron fences, and other memorials are carefully restored and maintained to retain the graveyard’s historic integrity and picturesque atmosphere.