As a sponsor, you undertake to maintain a gravestone or crypt and restore it if necessary. This also includes caring for the grave bed, if there is one.

They do. Unfortunately, however, it is not enough. This is because the financial resources available for monument preservation are limited and the costs are enormous. Furthermore, funeral fees are earmarked for a specific purpose. This means that it is prohibited by law to "divert" funds for monument preservation.

On the one hand, you can be sure that a valuable historical grave will be preserved for future generations, and with it a small piece of the main cemetery. On the other hand, you have the option of acquiring the rights to use the grave at any time. This means that you can use your sponsored grave for burials if you wish.

Exactly. You do not have to purchase the rights of use. However, if you later decide that you want to use the grave as a final resting place, you can of course purchase the corresponding rights at any time.

No! A grave that is still privately owned is, of course, excluded from this. In addition, the grave must have been classified by the monument protection authority as "historically or artistically valuable" and therefore worthy of preservation.

There is no general answer to this question. On the one hand, it depends on the type of tomb. For example, is it a simple gravestone or a complete crypt? On the other hand, it depends on what needs to be done. Is gentle cleaning sufficient? Is conservation work also necessary? Or does damage require restoration? The range of possibilities is therefore enormous. Regardless of this, there are also usage fees if the grave is to be used for burial.

For example, by taking a look around HERE (opens in a new tab). We have put together a small selection there. You can also take a walk through the main cemetery. Some of the sponsored graves are presented there in a personalized way. Regardless of this, however, the following applies: pick up the phone and give us a call. Then we can discuss everything in person. That's the easiest way for you and for us.

Once you’ve chosen a headstone, the local historic preservation authority will explain everything else to you—including what needs to be done to preserve or restore the headstone, as well as whether you can, for example, add additional inscriptions. Afterward, it’s best to seek advice from a specialized company or stonemason. On site, all ideas, wishes, and specifications will be reviewed together, and ideally, the sponsorship agreement can then be prepared. It’s important for you to know that, as a sponsor, you do not become the owner. The grave and headstone remain our property.