“Destination: Bucharest” - Bellu Cemetery, the open-air museum that keeps alive stories of those who passed away

Although lesser known than the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, the Bellu Cemetery in Bucharest is a true open-air museum, a landmark on the cultural map of the city. Writers, musicians, actors, academics or people who over time have changed the course of Romania from positions of power have found their eternal rest here. Their names are written on simple wooden crosses or on true works of art with impressive details. It may not be the most obvious option for tourists, but the cemetery will certainly make for an unforgettable visit.

It is shortly after noon when we go out of the subway and the sunlight makes us look away for a moment as we climb the last stairs to exit towards the street. We know that we have to walk a few hundred meters to Bellu Cemetery and we only take few steps before seeing the entrance on the other side of the busy road: a large, white building, with an imposing entrance above which the name “Șerban Vodă Cemetery” is written.