Hesse's first urn church is set to open in 2026 - Hesse's first urn church is set to open in 2026
Frankfurt is preparing to open Hesse’s first columbarium church in 2026. The project, delayed from its original late 2024 target, will transform an existing church into a dedicated space for urns. Around 2,500 urns will find a place there, offering families a new way to remember their loved ones.
The renovation of the church comes with a price tag of roughly €3.1 million. The local diocese is covering €1.4 million of the costs, though the specific diocese involved has not been publicly named. Once complete, the building will serve both the deceased and the bereaved, providing a quiet space for reflection.
The church will not allow anonymous burials. Instead, each interment must receive a blessing before being placed inside. This approach aligns with the growing trend of cremations in Germany, which now make up 80% of all burials. Pricing for a 15-year resting place will match rates at municipal cemeteries. Discounts will also be available for those on lower incomes, ensuring the option remains accessible to a wider range of families.
The columbarium church will offer a structured and respectful alternative to traditional burial grounds. With its planned opening in 2026, it reflects the shifting preferences in how people choose to honour the deceased. The project also provides a long-term solution for urn storage in a city where cremations are increasingly common.
