Bellu Cemetery in Romanian capital Bucharest, included in European Cemeteries Route

The Bellu Cemetery in Bucharest will be included in the European Cemeteries Route, which attracts between five and seven million visitors every year. This route includes 60 cemeteries in 18 European countries. Visitors to the Bellu Cemetery will be accompanied by student volunteer guides. A new bus line dedicated to the Bucharest tourist circuit will also serve the area where the cemetery is located, south of Bucharest. The Cemetery holds the graves of Romania's biggest artists – writers, performers, actors, as well as historic figures, state men, politicians. National poet Mihai Eminescu is buried there, along with writer Ion Luca Caragiale, George Bacovia, painters Theodor Aman and Stefan Luchian, among manyb others. Many of the graves have special monument-like designs (see picture). The European Cemeteries Route offers a mosaic of the diverse customs and funerary art that have been most representative in Europe over the last two centuries. In addition, these cemeteries are able to provide a summary of the most recent European history. The route has been recognized as a “Cultural European Route” by the Council of Europe in 2010. More about it here. editor@romania-insider.com