The Simmering Crematorium in Vienna’s 11th district opened on December 17, 1922, as Austria’s first crematorium. Together with the adjacent columbarium, it covers an area of more than 215,000 m² and is located across from Vienna’s Central Cemetery. The site is situated on the former palace gardens of Neugebäude Palace. Parts of the historic perimeter wall, ten towers, and the former waterworks have been preserved to this day and integrated into the complex. The main building, designed by Clemens Holzmeister, combines Expressionist architecture with Oriental influences. Between 1965 and 1969, the complex was expanded and remodeled, followed later by renovation work. The urn grove consists primarily of in-ground graves, while additional urn niches are located in the arcades, the perimeter wall, and one of the towers. The urn grave of former Mayor Jakob Reumann stands on the forecourt. A special attraction is the oak grove consisting of 50 English oaks, which is designated a natural monument and was likely planted as early as the time of the palace gardens.
