St. Barbara's Cemetery

The Way of the Cross as a symbol of hope before Easter

Ruedi Arnold's bronze figures depict the last stations of Jesus Christ.(Bild: Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

Anyone visiting St. Barbara's Cemetery in Linz in the days leading up to Easter should pause at the Stations of the Cross with their artistic bronze statues. The Swiss artist Ruedi Arnold depicts the last stages of Jesus Christ on his way to crucifixion in a simple and vivid way. 

During Easter, it is mainly chocolate bunnies, eggs and presents that are sold over the counter. But Holy Week is actually dedicated to mourning - in Christian terms.

At St. Barbara's Cemetery in Linz, it is "the busiest time" alongside All Saints' Day, says cemetery manager Clemens Frauscher, but there is also a "natural" reason for this: "Spring is perfect for planting fresh flowers. That's why many graves are prepared."

Rising up under the cross 
Easter also includes the Way of the Cross, which consists of artistic bronze figures at St. Barbara's Cemetery. Swiss artist Ruedi Arnold depicts Jesus' last journey in simple scenes. One discovers the determined "shouldering" of the cross, the fervent embrace of his mother, the upright, comforting encounter with the women and the three times of sinuous rearing up under the weight of the cross.

The Passion story tells of the overcoming of death through the resurrection.(Bild: Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

It becomes clear what is being celebrated: The Passion story, which tells of the suffering and death of Jesus, and the overcoming of death on Easter Sunday through the resurrection.

Urn trees instead of cypresses
At the moment, however, the artistic 14 stations with the bronze figures are somewhat exposed. "Unfortunately, we had to remove the cypress avenue by the Stations of the Cross because the trees were already very damaged," reports Frauscher. "After Easter, we will plant a new avenue, which will later become urn trees."

Cemetery manager Clemens Frauscher is planning a new avenue of urn trees.(Bild: Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

Speaking of nature: on May 10, biologist Katja Hintersteiner invites visitors to the St. Barbara cemetery for a walk entitled "Forever and ever", which is dedicated to poisonous plant beauties.