If you are familiar with our tours maybe you have noticed that we have kind of an obsession with cemeteries. This time we took photos of the old Jewish cemetery at Salgótarjáni út, a magical place that you can also visit with Budapest 101. We are in love with it, head over heels.
The Jewish cemetery was established in 1874 by taking 55 hectares of the Kerepesi úti cemetery. In both places a lot has changed in the past one and a half centuries, and a walk in them with a knowledgeable guide gives you the big picture of society, politics, art and history of this period.
The Jewish half of the area is quite abandoned because of the stormy 20th century and because of the different traditions the Jewish communities have. But that is also the charm of the place: you feel like Indiana Jones walking through old graves and rich vegetation.
An other reason why you should visit this cemetery is the amazing art you find here. The richest period of Budapest before WWI was when szecesszió, the Hungarian art nouveau style peaked. Many of the tombstones and the buildings were designed by Béla Lajta, a genius architecture, student of the famous Ödön Lechner.
It is also the perfect choice if you are craving for something green and calm – it really feels like an enchanted forest where magic happens when you are not looking. And let’s not forget the fabulous photo opportunities!
The cemetery is normally closed but it is possible to request a visit any day except for Saturdays and certain Jewish holidays. You can combine it with the Kerepesi úti cemetery, the 8th district tour, the Jewish tour, or even the classic Budapest 101 tour. We can’t wait to tell you all the secrets of it!
