St. Rochus Cemetery, Nuremberg

Saint Rochus Cemetery (Rochusfriedhof) is located in the Gostenhof quarter of Nuremberg. Established in the late 1510s, the cemetery was specifically created to bury the victims of the plague epidemic that swept through the region from 1517 to 1518. To contain the spread of the disease, the cemetery was strategically positioned outside the old city walls.

The cemetery was consecrated on March 21, 1519, marking its official readiness to serve the community during a time of great need. A significant architectural addition to the cemetery is the Saint Rochus Chapel (Rochuskapelle), constructed between 1520 and 1521. The design of the chapel was the work of Hans Beheim the Elder, a renowned architect who also contributed to the Johannisfriedhof, another historic cemetery in Nuremberg.

Saint Rochus Cemetery parallels the Johannis Cemetery in its historical context and significance, though it primarily served the residents of the Lorenzer Old Town, which was predominantly inhabited by craftsmen and members of the lower middle class. Unlike Johannis Cemetery, which became the principal burial site for many of Nuremberg's notable citizens, Saint Rochus does not house as many famous graves.

The exterior of the Rochus Chapel is unassuming, giving little indication of the valuable artifacts it contains. These treasures, however, are not accessible to the public. The chapel was privately commissioned by the Imhoff family, who continue to own it to this day, adding a layer of personal history and exclusivity to the site.