Merry Cemetery: Colorful Tombstones in Săpânța

The Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, Romania, is a one-of-a-kind burial site famous for its brightly colored tombstones and lighthearted, often humorous epitaphs. Located in the Maramureș region, this cemetery contrasts the somber atmosphere typically associated with such places, celebrating the lives of the deceased with joy, wit, and vibrant artistry.

Visitor Fees

• Entrance Fee: The Merry Cemetery charges a modest entrance fee, typically around €1 to €2 per person.
• Photography Fee: An additional small fee may apply for photography within the cemetery grounds.

Transportation

• By Car: The cemetery is easily accessible by car, and parking is available nearby. It is located about 20 km from the town of Sighetu Marmației.
• Public Transport: Buses run from Sighetu Marmației to Săpânța, making it convenient for visitors to reach the cemetery.
• Guided Tours: Many guided tours of the Maramureș region include a stop at the Merry Cemetery, providing historical context and insights into the tradition.

Things to Do

1. Explore the Tombstones:
   • The cemetery is renowned for its vividly painted wooden crosses, each one adorned with a portrait of the deceased and a witty epitaph that humorously reflects their life, habits, or even the manner of death.
   • The artwork on the tombstones is crafted in a folk-art style, using bright colors like blue, red, green, and yellow, with blue being the most dominant color, known as Săpânța blue.
2. Learn About Local Culture:
   • The cemetery reflects a unique cultural tradition where death is not mourned, but celebrated as a continuation of life. Visitors can learn about the philosophy of death in this region, where it is seen as part of a joyful cycle.
3. Visit the Săpânța Church:
   • Adjacent to the cemetery is the Church of the Assumption, an Orthodox church that adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the cemetery grounds.
4. Cultural Insights:
   • The Merry Cemetery is also an open-air museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs and customs of the people of Maramureș.

Why People Enjoy Visiting the Merry Cemetery

• Unique Experience: The Merry Cemetery is unlike any other cemetery in the world, with its colorful and humorous take on death, providing visitors with a fresh perspective on life and loss.
• Cultural Significance: The cemetery reflects deep-rooted local traditions and offers a window into the unique cultural and spiritual world of the Maramureș region.
• Artistic Beauty: The craftsmanship of the tombstones is striking, with each cross being an individual piece of folk art that celebrates the life of the person buried there.
• Humor and Humanity: The epitaphs, written in simple verse, often highlight the quirks and personalities of the deceased, making visitors smile as they walk through.

How Old is the Merry Cemetery?

The tradition of crafting colorful tombstones in Săpânța dates back to 1935 when Stan Ioan Pătraș, a local artist, created the first humorous epitaph. Since then, this practice has continued, with Pătraș's apprentice and successors maintaining the tradition to this day.

List of Activities

• Strolling Through the Cemetery: Enjoy a leisurely walk among the colorful tombstones, taking in the artistry and stories.
• Reading Epitaphs: The epitaphs, written in the local dialect, offer humorous and sometimes poignant glimpses into the lives of those buried there.
• Photography: Capture the unique, vibrant atmosphere of the cemetery.
• Learning About Local Folklore: Delve into the beliefs and customs of the Maramureș people regarding life, death, and the afterlife.

Additional Nearby Attractions

• Săpânța Peri Monastery: Known for its tall wooden church, one of the tallest wooden structures in Europe, located nearby.
• The Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance: Situated in Sighetu Marmației, this museum offers a somber look at Romania's history under communist rule.
• Maramureș Villages: Explore traditional villages in the surrounding area, famous for their wooden churches and beautifully preserved rural culture.
• The Wooden Churches of Maramureș: These UNESCO World Heritage sites are renowned for their traditional wooden architecture and ancient frescoes.
• Maramureș Mountains Natural Park: An ideal spot for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.

The Merry Cemetery in Săpânța stands as a testament to the region’s unique outlook on life and death. Its colorful tombstones, humorous epitaphs, and beautiful setting make it one of Romania’s most unusual and memorable attractions. Visitors leave with a smile and a deeper appreciation for the Maramureș way of embracing life’s final journey.