Wednesday Walk Challenge : The old cemetary in Kristiansand, Norway

This is my first participation in the Wednesday Walk Challenge hosted by Hive account@tattoodjay. A walk on a sunny winter day took me to the cemetery. This cemetery in the city center of Kristiansand is not large. It is simple in its design. The same applies to the graves. Only a few are fenced with a metal grid, or have a particularly large tombstone. Most look the same when you look at how they are lined up. Not a flashy sight, as several other countries have.(check my previous post to Chacarita to seee the oposite kind of cemetary). This cemetery was put into use in 1821. Even Kristiansand is not a large city, we do have some famous people, who are buried here. I read on the stones that there is a government minister, resistance fighters from WWII, the first female policeman (policewoman) in Norway, politicians, a poet, priest, major and a missionary. All were known or have had a significant impact on the city.

Eidsvollmennene / The Eidsvollmen

This was erected in 1914. It was then 100 years since Norway became independent (1814). May 17 is Norway's National Day. On that day, a solemn gathering is held every year at the cemetery. Speeches are given and wreaths are laid at 4 of the graves/memorials. This is one of them.

The inscription reads: «In memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Norway's freedom 1940 -1945». Another important memorial.

The history of the cemetery

As early as 1807, it was suggested that Kristiansand should have a cemetery outside the city. Since the Middle Ages, cemeteries have been established in the cities. They eventually became quite full. This was the case in most of Europe. As early as 1765, France banned burying the dead inside the cities. Gradually, other countries followed. Here in Norway, Oslo was the first to have such a cemetery built, but not in Kristiansand.

Famous persons

But in 1816 it was decided to get a new cemetery. This was then put into use in 1821. At that time the location was outside the city. Today it is in the city. The first person buried here in 1821 was a child. He died in a measles epidemic.

Soviet and British war graves

In a corner of the cemetery lies this small memorial grove that concerns allies who fell on Norwegian soil during WWII. The graves are decorated on May 17. This has been done every year since 1945.

The Chapel (build in 1927)

Kristiansand cemetery has a park-like feel with many large trees that provide shade in the summer. As you can see in some of the pictures, the cemetery is located on the corner of two major thoroughfares into the city. When I visited last week, I saw a couple of new graves, so it seems it is still in use.