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Urban Cemeteries—Places of Multiple Diversity and Challenges. A Case Study from Łódź (Poland) and Leipzig (Germany)

Author

Listed:
  • Andrzej Długoński

    (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, 01-815 Warszawa, Poland)

  • Diana Dushkova

    (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Dagmar Haase

    (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
    Institute of Geography, Humboldt University of Berlin, Rudower Chaussee 16, 12489 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

This article presents a pilot study investigating the multidimensional diversity of cemeteries as an important element of cultural heritage and green infrastructure within the urban landscape. We studied the state and diversity of nature, perceptions, and activities of visitors. As religion is an important aspect that differentiates cemeteries from each other, we studied a sample of four multi-confessional urban cemeteries in Łódź (Poland) and Leipzig (Germany) by using site observation and a questionnaire survey. We found that cemeteries are far undervalued as public green resources that can perform important functions in sociocultural life and the mental well-being of the general public, as the perceptions of silence- and contemplation-seeking visitors tell us. The perception of cemeteries depends on the level of secularization, varying from a sacrum sphere up to specific recreational and touristic opportunities; findings that should be considered by town planners when optimizing the cultural ecosystem services of green spaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrzej Długoński & Diana Dushkova & Dagmar Haase, 2022. "Urban Cemeteries—Places of Multiple Diversity and Challenges. A Case Study from Łódź (Poland) and Leipzig (Germany)," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:5:p:677-:d:807807
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrzej Długoński & Diana Dushkova, 2021. "The Hidden Potential of Informal Urban Greenspace: An Example of Two Former Landfills in Post-Socialist Cities (Central Poland)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-17, March.
    2. Margrete Skår & Helena Nordh & Grete Swensen, 2018. "Green urban cemeteries: more than just parks," Journal of Urbanism: International Research on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(3), pages 362-382, July.
    3. Ágnes Sallay & Zsuzsanna Mikházi & Imola Gecséné Tar & Katalin Takács, 2022. "Cemeteries as a Part of Green Infrastructure and Tourism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-28, March.
    4. Peter De Lacy & Charlie Shackleton, 2017. "Aesthetic and Spiritual Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Sacred Sites," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-14, September.
    5. Nina Schwarz & Annegret Haase & Dagmar Haase & Nadja Kabisch & Sigrun Kabisch & Veronika Liebelt & Dieter Rink & Michael W. Strohbach & Juliane Welz & Manuel Wolff, 2021. "How Are Urban Green Spaces and Residential Development Related? A Synopsis of Multi-Perspective Analyses for Leipzig, Germany," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-16, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jan K. Kazak & Katarzyna Hodor & Magdalena Wilkosz-Mamcarczyk, 2022. "Climate Change and Current Challenges for Landscapes and Cultural Heritage," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-3, December.
    2. Tanja M. Straka & Maren Mischo & Konstantin J. S. Petrick & Ingo Kowarik, 2022. "Urban Cemeteries as Shared Habitats for People and Nature: Reasons for Visit, Comforting Experiences of Nature, and Preferences for Cultural and Natural Features," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-21, August.

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