Central Cemetery (Hajongard)
About Central Cemetery (Hajongard)
The Central Cemetery in Cluj-Napoca, also known as Hajongard (Házsongárd in Hungarian), is one of the oldest cemeteries in the city. It was founded in 1585, during a plague epidemic, on a slope south of the walls of the medieval town; today it covers about 14 hectares, and the entrance is on Avram Iancu Street.
From the start it was a public cemetery, open to all regardless of religion or nationality, so Saxons, Hungarians and Romanians found their resting place here. The oldest surviving gravestone dates from 1599, in the Lutheran part. The ensemble is a listed historic monument (LMI code CJ-IV-s-B-07839), and almost 400 graves and funerary monuments are also listed individually. Because of the notable people buried here, the place is sometimes called the "Pantheon of Transylvania".
What you can see
The avenues climb a wooded slope among gravestones four centuries old: gabled stones from the 16th and 17th centuries, Neo-Gothic crypts such as those of the Mikó and Donogány families, the Mauksch–Hintz crypt with Empire-style bas-reliefs, the Neo-Romanesque Bethlen crypt, obelisks and the Kendeffy column, guarded by four lions. Buried here are, among others, the humanist Apáczai Csere János (1625–1659), the linguist Samuel Brassai (1797–1897), the writer Miklós Bánffy (1873–1950), the scientist Emil Racoviță (1868–1947) and the human rights activist Doina Cornea (1929–2018). From the higher parts, the spire of St Michael's Church can be glimpsed between the trees.
Good to know
It is a place of reflection, also visited by families remembering their dead: keep quiet and dress modestly. The avenues are on a slope, sometimes with steps. The neighbouring Jewish cemeteries are separate cemeteries.
Information verified on 27 October 2026.
- The oldest gravestones, from 1599, in the Lutheran part of the cemetery.
- The Neo-Gothic, Empire and Neo-Romanesque crypts of noble families, among them the Bethlen crypt.
- The Kendeffy column, guarded by four lions.
- The graves of notable people such as Apáczai Csere János, Samuel Brassai, Miklós Bánffy, Emil Racoviță and Doina Cornea.
- The view between the trees, from the upper avenues, towards the spire of St Michael's Church.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: The cemetery is south of the historic centre, ~2.5 km from Piața Unirii (~4 minutes), ~3.5 km from Cluj-Napoca railway station (~5 minutes) and ~9 km from Avram Iancu International Airport (~15 minutes, depending on traffic). The entrance is on Avram Iancu Street.
Public transport: it can also be reached on foot from the centre, the cemetery being less than 1 km from Piața Unirii.
- Where to park
Parking around the entrance is paid, and spaces are few and fill up quickly on days with many visits, for example around 1 November. From the centre it is simpler to come on foot.
- Fees & discounts
There is no charge to enter the cemetery.
- Rules
It is a place of reflection: keep quiet, dress modestly, no food, no walking on graves and no climbing on monuments. Dogs and other pets are not allowed, nor are street vending and begging. Religious ceremonies are not photographed, and graves are photographed discreetly, without disturbing families visiting the cemetery.
- Facilities
Cemetery administration office on the grounds
Frequently asked questions about Central Cemetery (Hajongard)
- How much is a ticket to Central Cemetery (Hajongard)?
- Admission to Central Cemetery (Hajongard) is free (free entry). There is no charge to enter the cemetery.
- What are the opening hours of Central Cemetery (Hajongard)?
- Opening hours at Central Cemetery (Hajongard): daily 08:00 – 21:00. Visiting hours: 1 April – 15 November 08:00–21:00, 16 November – 31 March 08:00–17:00, every day.
- How long does a visit to Central Cemetery (Hajongard) take?
- A visit to Central Cemetery (Hajongard) takes about 1 – 1¼ hours (depending on the avenues walked).
- Can you visit Central Cemetery (Hajongard) with kids?
- Yes, Central Cemetery (Hajongard) is suitable for children (a quiet walk).
- Where can I park at Central Cemetery (Hajongard)?
- There is paid parking at Central Cemetery (Hajongard) (on the surrounding streets). Parking around the entrance is paid, and spaces are few and fill up quickly on days with many visits, for example around 1 November. From the centre it is simpler to come on foot.
- How do I get to Central Cemetery (Hajongard)?
- Central Cemetery (Hajongard) is located at Avram Iancu Street 28, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj County. By car: The cemetery is south of the historic centre, ~2.5 km from Piața Unirii (~4 minutes), ~3.5 km from Cluj-Napoca railway station (~5 minutes) and ~9 km from Avram Iancu International Airport (~15 minutes, depending on traffic). The entrance is on Avram Iancu Street. Public transport: it can also be reached on foot from the centre, the cemetery being less than 1 km from Piața Unirii.
- When is the best time to visit Central Cemetery (Hajongard)?
- The best season for Central Cemetery (Hajongard): All year round (spring and autumn).
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