Rochusfriedhof - St. Rochus cemetery and other Nürnberg, Germany Off The Beaten Path Tips

The Rochus cemetery is one of two historic churchyards in Nürnberg. It was installed in 1518 and consecrated in 1519. The chapel was finished in 1521. After the bubonic plague epidemy in 1516 and 1517, the churchyards of the two main churches, St. Lorenz and St. Sebaldus, were transferred to places outside of the city walls. St. Sebaldus’ churchyard in the northeast became St. Johannis. St. Lorenz’ churchyard became St. Rochus. Since centuries, this cemetery was a popular place to be buried for the rich and wealthy of the city. Two well-known personalities from Nuernberg are buried here. Early renaissance artist Peter Vischer and baroque componist Johan Pachelbel.
A local expression has its origins in this cemetery. People tend to say “...otherwhise, St. Rochus will get you” (…sonst holt Dich der Rochus) instead of “…otherwise, you will die”.

The Rochusfriedhof is within walking distance from the train station, to the southwest of it

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