The cemetery opened in the mid-19th century and it was named The Public Cemetery of Pest, by the end of the century it had become the most prestigious place of worship in Hungary. It quickly started to fill with dead people, famous within Hungary. As a result it became the on trend place to be buried for those that saw themselves as a cut above the Hoi-Palloi.
If one thing is certain, death is a great leveller, kings or paupers in eternal darkness together forever. The graveyard is the home now of greatest number of "figures" from Hungarian history and culture
As we wander the grounds (over several uploads!) we will see many many tombs, and memorials that are of art historical value.
Several uploads, yes the graveyard covers just under 140 acres in size, the number of graves here is unknown, but numbering in their thousands. What I captured in a few hours was just a scratch on the surface, probably two days to see it all and in reflection I missed so much. I hope you enjoy what I have captured
This wonderful graveyard has been managed by the National Heritage Institute since 2016. Long term residents are still being accepted, though their tombs would probably never match the stunners we are gonna see.
The Pantheon of the Workers' Movement is a memorial dedicated to figures of the Hungarian communist and workers' movement.
From the simple, poignant beauty of a hand reaching out.....
... to the over the top, vulgar, flaunting of wealth; like this the Ganz Mausoleum: Ábrahám Ganz, a significant figure in Hungarian industry.
There were several finger posts to guide you where you wanted to go, but only in Hungarian so I wandered, aimlessly along paths and through long grass, apparently there are ten different species of tree within the grounds.
Árpád Balázs, born 1897, lived a life, studied law, became an official at a local orphanage, married twice, he wrote many many published folk songs and poems. Joined the Police in 1919, rose to the rank of deputy chief retiring back to his music in the 30's, lived until 1978.
Péter Veres, he was a writer and politician, his memorial statue depicts him sitting dressed in traditional peasant costume.
Clutching an urn, the inscription read "Dear children, until we meet again."
Ester Horvath, a synchronised swimmer who sadly took her own life at the tender age of 16 years.
"Sometimes expectations are too great."
An unknown beauty
Hungarian actress and influential figure in Hungarian cinema and theater.
Sipőcz Jenő, he was the Mayor of Budapest
Captain Imre Vági, military man
Knight Károly Henneberg, an imperial and royal lieutenant general of Hungarian origin, inspector-general and commander of the Hungarian cavalry.
Endre Liber, a deputy mayor of Budapest, and art critic.
Lujza Blaha, a respected and loved Hungarian actress and singer,
She was referred to as "the nation's nightingale", what an amazing piece of architecture, funerary art at its finest.
End of Part 1, cue adverts.
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