Braamfontein Cemetery Johannesburg
Johannesburg's historic Braamfontein Cemetery, a resting place since the late 1800s, featuring a notable crematorium and community preservation effort...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Volunteer workdays often occur then.
Braamfontein Cemetery Johannesburg
Best Time
Volunteer workdays often occur then.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Johannesburg's historic Braamfontein Cemetery, a resting place since the late 1800s, featuring a notable crematorium and community preservation efforts.
"A poignant glimpse into Johannesburg's past, preserved by dedicated volunteers."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is large and can have uneven ground. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
📝 Bring a Clipboard & Pen
If you're interested in history, bring supplies to record inscriptions as volunteers do.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Crematorium
Braamfontein Cemetery
A significant architectural landmark within the cemetery, often a subject for artists and history enthusiasts.
Cornish Miners' Section
Braamfontein Cemetery
A poignant section dedicated to Cornish miners who came to Johannesburg during a challenging period.
Angel Sculptures
Braamfontein Cemetery
Discover various angel statues, some beautifully preserved and others showing the passage of time.
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
+1Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is large and can have uneven ground. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
📝 Bring a Clipboard & Pen
If you're interested in history, bring supplies to record inscriptions as volunteers do.
💧 Respect the Atmosphere
This is a place of remembrance. Be mindful and quiet during your visit.
🚗 Park at the Crematorium
This is the designated parking area for visitors and volunteers.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is large and can have uneven ground. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
📝 Bring a Clipboard & Pen
If you're interested in history, bring supplies to record inscriptions as volunteers do.
💧 Respect the Atmosphere
This is a place of remembrance. Be mindful and quiet during your visit.
🚗 Park at the Crematorium
This is the designated parking area for visitors and volunteers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Braamfontein Cemetery is a historically significant site, appreciated for its connection to Johannesburg's past and the dedicated preservation efforts by volunteers. Visitors find the historic crematorium and the poignant sections like the Cornish miners' area particularly moving. However, the cemetery's upkeep and accessibility of records can be challenging.
"We came to lay to rest a very beautiful soul Mr Khumo who lived a long fruitful life He was a Keeper of the Light and it was my first time in the Braamfontein Crematorium it’s very intimate and you can feel the history of this place.
Peaceful beautiful send off"
Katlego Mojapelo
"A very historic cemetery. Many of Johannesburg"s founders and pioneers are buried here. I had the priveledge of a nighttime tour on a few occassions."
Tony Vedda
"Let the dead tell the history!!"
Roomi Aziz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Braamfontein Cemetery is located in Johannesburg. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is a common method. Parking is available at the crematorium entrance.
Yes, driving is a practical way to reach the cemetery. Follow directions to the crematorium, where parking is available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, cemeteries are free to enter as public spaces for remembrance. However, specific events or guided tours might have associated costs. It's always best to check for any official notices.
Cemeteries are typically open during daylight hours. For specific times or any restrictions, it's advisable to check local council information or inquire with local heritage groups.
While not always advertised, heritage groups sometimes organize tours or volunteer days. Keep an eye on local heritage society pages for announcements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic gravestones, sculptures like angel statues, and the significant crematorium building. It's also a place to learn about Johannesburg's early history, including sections dedicated to specific communities like Cornish miners.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Some artists use it for sketching and inspiration.
Basic facilities like parking are available at the crematorium. For other amenities, it's best to come prepared.
Yes, it's suitable for walking, but wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven. It's a place for quiet contemplation and exploration.
The crematorium is a notable architectural feature and part of the cemetery's historical infrastructure, serving as a focal point for remembrance.
🎫 📜 Braamfontein Cemetery Records
Accessing Braamfontein Cemetery records can be challenging. Heritage groups are actively working on recording inscriptions, and crematorium records are also being compiled. Inquiries might be directed to local archives or historical societies.
Official online databases for Braamfontein Cemetery records are not widely available. Your best bet is to contact local Johannesburg heritage organizations or archives that might have compiled information.
Efforts are underway to compile and record information from crematorium registers. For specific searches, contacting relevant historical societies or archives in Johannesburg is recommended.
Records may include names, dates of burial, and sometimes inscriptions from headstones or ash plaques. The extent of available data varies, and ongoing projects aim to expand this.
Requests for records would likely need to go through official channels such as the Johannesburg City Council archives or historical societies that manage cemetery data.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Genealogy Enthusiasts
+1 Consider reaching out to local Johannesburg heritage societies, as they may have compiled or be able to guide you on accessing available data. Bringing your own recording materials, like a clipboard and pen, might be helpful if you plan to visit during a volunteer workday. History Buffs & Urban Sketchers
Urban sketchers will find the crematorium and the various gravestone sculptures, including angel statues, to be compelling subjects for their art. Remember to be respectful of the solemnity of the location while capturing its essence.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Johannesburg's Past
The presence of the historic crematorium adds another layer to the site's importance. It stands as a testament to evolving funeral practices and architectural styles of the era. Volunteers and heritage enthusiasts are actively involved in preserving and documenting the cemetery, working to record inscriptions and maintain the grounds, ensuring that the stories of those interred here are not forgotten.
+1Exploring Braamfontein Cemetery offers a unique opportunity to connect with Johannesburg's rich and complex history. It's a place for quiet reflection, historical discovery, and an appreciation for the efforts made to safeguard its heritage. The ongoing work by groups like 'Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries' highlights the community's dedication to this important historical site.
+1Preservation and Community Efforts
+1These volunteer days often require participants to bring specific items like clipboards, chalk, paper, pens, and even toothbrushes for cleaning inscriptions. The dedication of these individuals underscores the importance of the cemetery as a historical landmark and a place of collective memory.
The work extends to compiling information from cremation registers, aiming to create a more comprehensive archive of those laid to rest at the crematorium. This collaborative approach ensures that the history of Braamfontein Cemetery is preserved for future generations.
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