The Merry Cemetery of Sapanta: An Unforgettable Romanian Cultural Experience
When considering a visit to Romania, many travelers think of the sprawling capital city of Bucharest and its many attractions. But nestled in the heart of the Maramures region of Romania is a unique cultural experience waiting to be discovered – the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta.
What is the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta?
The Merry Cemetery of Sapanta, also known as Sapanta Peri, is a traditional cemetery located in the village of Sapanta, near the city of Sighetu Marmatiei in northern Romania. The cemetery is a unique example of Eastern Orthodox religious art and is renowned for its colorful tombstones, adorned with whimsical carvings and vivid paintings. Each tombstone displays a unique poem, often humorously describing the life of the deceased.
History of the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta
The Merry Cemetery was founded in 1935 by the renowned Romanian folk artist Stan Ioan Patras, who is credited with both the design and creation of the cemetery’s distinctive tombstones. Patras worked in the cemetery until his death in 1977, and his work has been continued by his son, Dumitru Patras, who has been making tombstones for the cemetery since 1982.
The cemetery has become a popular tourist attraction due to its unique combination of traditional religious art and humor, which draws visitors from all over the world.
What to Expect at the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta
Visitors to the Merry Cemetery can expect to be met with a bright and vibrant display of colorful tombstones. The cemetery is also home to a variety of religious statues and monuments, as well as an open air chapel. The cemetery is a peaceful and tranquil place, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and lush green forests.
The most popular attraction in the cemetery is the unique tombstones, which feature brightly painted scenes depicting the life of the deceased, as well as humorous rhymes describing their lives and accomplishments.
Getting to the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta
The Merry Cemetery of Sapanta is located in the village of Sapanta, which is approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Sighetu Marmatiei. The easiest way to get to the cemetery is to take a bus from Sighetu Marmatiei to Sapanta. The journey takes around 40 minutes and buses run regularly throughout the day.
Visiting the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta
The Merry Cemetery of Sapanta is open to visitors from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. Admission is free, although donations are welcomed. Visitors are asked to respect the cemetery and its surroundings and act in a respectful manner.
In conclusion, the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta is a unique and unforgettable cultural experience in Romania. Visitors can expect to be met with a colorful display of traditional religious art, as well as humorous epitaphs and poems. The cemetery is open seven days a week, and admission is free. A visit to the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta is sure to be an unforgettable experience.