Cimitirul Vesel

Hidden in the Maramureș region of northern Romania, the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța is unlike any cemetery you’ve ever seen. Instead of somber gravestones, you’ll find over 800 brightly painted wooden crosses, each decorated with colorful folk art and a humorous or heartfelt poem that tells the life story — or cause of death — of the person buried there. Created by local artist Stan Ioan Pătraș in the 1930s, this unique tradition reflects the local belief that death is not an end, but a passage to a better world — and something that can be met with a smile. From farmers to local characters, each epitaph is written in the first person, offering a touching, sometimes funny glimpse into rural Romanian life. A must-see if you’re exploring Maramureș, the Merry Cemetery is both a cultural landmark and a moving tribute to the joy of life — even in death.

Nestled within the former Sighet Prison, this memorial honors the thousands of political prisoners — including intellectuals, clergy, politicians, students, and peasants — who were arrested, tortured, and often perished during the early communist era in Romania . ️ Origins & Purpose Founded in 1993 by Ana Blandiana and Romulus Rusan, the site was the first of its kind in Europe dedicated to commemorating victims of communism. It earned the prestigious European Heritage Label in 1998, alongside Auschwitz and Normandy . ️ The Old Prison from 1897 Built at the turn of the 20th century, the prison became a symbol of repression after 1948. From 1950 to 1955, Romania’s elite were detained here under brutal conditions. The building was restored by 2000, transforming each former cell into a museum gallery depicting chronological themes of totalitarian abuse