It is a special experience to take a stroll in these cemeteries on a fine autumn day, as autumn is also the time of passing, when nature goes to rest. Here are the key cemeteries definitely worth a visit in Budapest.
 

1. The Fiume Road Graveyard – The Hungarian Père-Lachaise

Address: 1086 Budapest, Fiumei út 16-18.

This is the most famous cemetery of Budapest, and in Hungary, often referred to as the Hungarian Père-Lachaise.

It opened as a public cemetery in 1849, and has since become one of the most prestigious places of remembrance, holding not only the shrines of the most significant Hungarian figures, but monuments of various historical eras too. Separate sections are dedicated to artists, the heroes of the 1848 and the 1956 Revolution, and of the Second World War. Being in the Fiume Road Graveyard is like walking in an open history book.

Although it is located in the middle of the city centre, at the intersection of two busy roads, this cemetery is an island of peace where the noise of daily life does not reach - an ideal autumn setting for serene walks and quiet contemplation.

The atmosphere here is more like a pleasant park than a cemetery: huge space, fresh green, grassy clearings, chestnut trees standing along the paths, grandiose memorial monuments, tombs, mausoleums that seem to be works of art and statues make it truly special. It’s well worth a visit even if you’re not particularly interested in history, just need some peace and quiet in a secluded place.

As you walk in the graveyard, you will come across numerous information boards in Hungarian, some of which are translated to English as well.

One of the largest and most beautiful funeral coaches of the world is exhibited here: the Apponyi Coach. It was made in the late 1920s, and served as an exclusive vehicle for the funeral of famous people—similar to a limousine today. It was lost during the Second World War, then it was found, restored, and it is now the shining jewel of the cemetery. It is as if you were walking in an open-air museum!

When you go to the Fiume Road Graveyard, make sure to visit the grandiose, multi-level mausoleum of Lajos Batthyány, the first prime minister of Hungary. Another thing you shouldn’t miss is the majestic shrine of the famous Hungarian gastro dynasty, the Gundels. One of the most atmospheric tombs in the cemetery is the final resting place of writer Mór Jókai, found in the middle of a rose garden surrounded by pillars with a rich growth of ivy.

Here you will find the monuments of Ferenc Deák (politician), Lujza Blaha (actress), Miklós Ybl (architect), Lajos Kossuth (politician), János Arany (poet), Mihály Munkácsy (painter), Ignác Semmelweis (physician) and many more great Hungarians.




2. Farkasréti Cemetery – An atmospheric resting place by the woods

Address: 1124 Budapest, Németvölgyi út 99.

The second most significant cemetery of Budapest, Farkasréti Cemetery is located next to the woods in one of the most beautiful districts of Buda. The hilly, wooded graveyard is more familiar, cosier than the Fiume Road Graveyard. Squirrels, deer, foxes often visit from the nearby woods, turning your experience here into taking a walk in a fairytale garden.

You will also find statues, impressive mausoleums and monuments among the graves here. You can visit the resting places of one of the most famous Hungarian composers, Béla Bartók, architect Imre Makovecz known for his original style, and renowned actress Gizi Bajor.

The graves of numerous Hungarian athletes, writers, artists, and even contemporary actors are found here. In the back section of the cemetery, a huge, ring-shaped monument stands in the memory of deceased Hungarian Olympic athletes.

All Souls’ Day in Hungary

If you are looking for a unique cemetery experience, time your visit for 1st of November, as this day has a prominent significance.

Although you can see Halloween-themed events when visiting Budapest, this fundamentally Anglo-Saxon holiday is not part of Hungarian tradition. Instead, 1st of November is a public holiday called ‘All Souls’ Day’ or ‘All Saints’ Day’ by Hungarians.

According to tradition, people visit the cemetery on this day to light a candle for the departed and adorn the graves of their loved ones with wreaths or flowers.

After sunset, hundreds of candles burn in the dark like tiny stars, painting a touching and fascinating scene. Going to the cemetery and the candlelight allow the first day of November to be about loving remembrance instead of the pain of passing and parting.

Visit the most famous cemeteries of Budapest to connect with the past, see the memorial places of great Hungarian historical figures and experience the peaceful atmosphere of these graveyards.

Source:
Budapestinfo.hu
- republished with permission