Cimitirul Central (Central Cemetery), Cluj-Napoca

The Central Cemetery is one of Cluj-Napoca's oldest burial grounds, tracing its origins back to the sixteenth century. It covers approximately 14 hectares and was established following the plague epidemic of 1585. Over the centuries, it underwent several expansions, including the establishment of the Lutheran cemetery in the seventeenth century and the enlargement of the Jewish cemetery in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Formerly known as the Hajongard Cemetery, the Central Cemetery's name originates from the German dialect "Hasengarten," meaning "Garden with rabbits". The cemetery witnessed a period of growth due to its strategic location south of Cluj's medieval fortress.

Throughout the nineteenth century, the Central Cemetery underwent further development, with the designation of plots, tree planting, and the establishment of fences between denominations and nationalities. Presently, it features picturesque alleys and a variety of funerary monuments spanning different architectural styles. Notable among these is the neo-Roman style tomb-chapel of the Bethlen family, a unique landmark in the county. Since 2015, the Central Cemetery has been recognized as a historical monument, cementing its importance in Cluj-Napoca's cultural heritage.