Új Köztemető

Opened in 1886, Új Köztemető in Budapest became a necessary addition to the city’s cemeteries. The Kerepesi Cemetery had become overcrowded and expensive. Új Köztemető’s first burial was Závoly Viktória on August 6, 1886, in what is now plot 53. Új Köztemető, also known as Rákoskeresztúri New Public Cemetery, sprawls across a vast 207 hectares. It houses 301 plots and provides the final resting place for around three million deceased. This makes it one of the largest cemeteries in both Budapest and Europe. Despite its common name, Rákoskeresztúr Cemetery, it’s not actually located in Rákoskeresztúr. Új Köztemető is part of Kőbánya. The cemetery’s geometric layout, designed by architect Győző Czigler in 1903, features a grid of square plots. The grand entrance building was designed by Ármin Hegedűs with sculptures by Géza Maróti. Mosaics created in Róth Miksa’s workshop adorn the side buildings. These depict Christ’s entombment and resurrection. Italian-style funeral shops were built near the entrance in the late 19th century. Between 1920 and 1925, a modern mortuary and refrigeration building, designed by Sándor Wossola, were added. Two plots were set aside for military burials as early as 1903. During World War I, Új Köztemető became a resting place for soldiers from both sides of the conflict. It held the remains of 42 nations, making it the second largest in Europe after Verdun. World War II brought more burials. After 1955, many of the military plots were removed. Those that remain can still be seen today. During the 1950s, victims of political executions and show trials were buried in remote plots at Új Köztemető. This includes those executed after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Plot 301 became the secret burial place of Prime Minister Imre Nagy and his associates, executed on June 16, 1958. Many visit this historically significant site to pay their respects. Új Köztemető was also the site of Hungary’s second crematorium. It opened in 1968, designed by János Pompás. It was later expanded in the 1970s. With the rise of cremation, urn plots and crypts also appeared. The Urna Pantheon, opened in 2006, offers a solemn resting place. About 7,000-8,000 people are buried annually at Új Köztemető.