Hungary’s greatest cemetery as you’ve never seen it before – Photos of the light painting show

The 15^th Night of Museums was held last weekend with special programmes all over the country. The museums and participating institutions offered access to sites otherwise barred from visitors. One of the most outstanding programmes was held in the Kerepesi Cemetery, where the mausoleums of famous Hungarians were illuminated with beautiful light painting techniques.

The Kerepesi Cemetery or the Fiume Road National Graveyard is the most famous cemetery in Budapest, and probably in the whole country. It lies in a beautiful natural environment, which is perfect for an afternoon walk. Cemeteries are rarely referred to as touristic sights, but the Kerepesi Cemetery is definitely worth visiting when in Budapest.

According to nori.gov.hu, the idea of constructing a cemetery for great Hungarians (a “National Pantheon”) arose in the head of István Széchenyi. The graveyard opened in the middle of the 19^th century as the public cemetery of Pest and became the most illustrious Hungarian cemetery by the end of the century. This is where the mausoleums of Lajos Batthyány, Ferenc Deák and Lajos Kossuth can be found. The latter one is the biggest shrine in Hungary.

The Kossuth Mausoleum – Photo: MTI

The Kossuth Mausoleum – Photo: MTI

Most of the outstanding figures and representatives of Hungarian history and culture were buried in the Kerepesi Cemetery. Out of the honorary monuments, more than one thousand are national monuments under protection. Most of the tombs and shrines are also architectural treasures as they were made by famous sculptors.

The cemetery is known for its park rich in flora and fauna. You can easily meet with squirrels and other smaller animals. A walk in the graveyard could be a great educational trip where you can learn about famous Hungarians. Meanwhile, the special atmosphere boosts your energy levels so you feel like a new person at the end of your walk.

The Deák Mausoleum – Photo: MTI

The Deák Mausoleum – Photo: MTI

Besides the mausoleums mentioned above, the tombs of József Antall, Károly Kisfaludy, Mihály Vörösmarty, János Arany, Endre Ady, Mór Jókai, Lujza Blaha, Attila József, Mihály Babits and Ferenc Karinthy are also found in the cemetery, but the list is truly endless.

The Kerepesi Cemetery took part in the Nigh of Museums event series with the ceremonial presentation of the Apponyi Coach, thematic tours and a special play of light and sound.

According to museum.hu, the special coach was made between 1928 and 1932 and was used for state funerals. Since it was used at the burial of Albert Apponyi for the first time, it was named after him. The coach resembles royal carts due to its artistic execution and imposing style. It was exhibited in a special glass pavilion for the first time.

The Apponyi Coach – Photo: MTI

At the end of the day, the young stars of the Virtuosos show performed at one of the most beautiful architectural monuments of the cemetery. The musical experience was accompanied by unique light painting techniques, which made the art nouveau arcades look like they were out of this world.

The arcade of the Kerepesi Cemetery – Photo: MTI

The arcade of the Kerepesi Cemetery – Photo: MTI

Featured image: MTI

Ce: bm

Source: Daily News Hungary