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Sponsored graves
Sponsored graves at the main cemetery in Mainz
Listed as a historic monument, winner of multiple awards, steeped in history: Mainz's main cemetery is undoubtedly a very special place, a landmark of our beautiful city. But even here, time has left its mark. Some of its impressive crypts, monuments, and gravestones are weathered or even in danger of falling into disrepair. But you can help to change that. How? It's easy! By becoming a gravestone sponsor.
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.
Why doesn't the city or the business enterprise take care of this?
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.
What do I gain from becoming a gravestone sponsor?
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.
So I can just take care of the grave without using it?
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.
Can I choose any burial site I like?
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.
What effort and costs should I expect?
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.
How and where can I choose a sponsored grave?
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.
And what happens after that?
Once you have decided on a gravestone, the lower monument protection authority (opens in a new tab) will explain everything else to you. This includes what needs to be done to preserve or restore the gravestone, as well as whether you can add further inscriptions, for example. It is then best to seek advice from a specialist company or stonemason. All ideas, wishes, and specifications will then be discussed again on site, and ideally, the sponsorship agreement can then be prepared. It is important for you to know that as a sponsor, you do not become the owner. The grave and gravestone remain our property.
