Who are we?

Learn who we are

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Whoever thought about joining the words ‘merry’ and ‘cemetery’ surely didn’t have all his tiles on the roof (local saying). This was exactly the case of Stan Ioan Pătraș, an artist from the North-Romanian village of Săpânța and also the creative genius behind this jolly place.

Sapanta - Peri Monastery

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Sapanța – Maramures is the best place to go if you want to see the quality of the Romanian creative expression through wood art and hand craft creations. It is also a journey to a beautiful, rustic and timeless place hidden in the heart of Europe. You will find here also the tallest wooden church in the world, very beautiful, as a part of the monastery of Sapanta.

Art at women's hand

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Traditional  Maramures culture is visibly embodied in the age-old crafts still practiced in the region. Hat-makers, wood crafters, weavers, potters, blacksmiths and millers can be visited, not only as tourist attractions or living museums, but as skilled individuals continuing their crafts, where elsewhere the art has died out. Visits to these craftsmen provide a great opportunity to see their unique souvenirs and also an educational opportunity to learn a lot more about the way of life of our own ancestors.

The Long Road Festival

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The Long Road to the Merry Cemetery Festival – Peter Harley’s Project is aimed at boosting tourism to this area, preserving local traditions and crafts and highlighting traditional culture against the European backdrop.

The Intercultural Maramures Tradition Festival included concerts of traditional and symphonic music, craft workshops, food tastings and visits to the homes of the Maramures craftsmen who will offer tourists a live display of their skills.

Upcoming Events

What's new?

  • Merry Cemetery

    Part of the

    UNESCO Heritage

    The cemetery’s uniqueness is recognized not only in Romania, but also in Europe. It got the first place in a funerary monuments top. It’s undeniable how special the paintings are and how the colours will truly transfer you into an artistic paradise. Sapanta Blue, the main colour used on the tombstones combines with countless other mixtures of colours. There are poems written on the wooden oak crosses and drawings with scenes of the deceased life on the upper side of every cross.