Filantropia Israelite Cemetery in Bucharest

The Filantropia cemetery is a large burial ground in Sector 1 of Bucharest spanning roughly 69 hectares with tens of thousands of graves from different periods. The grave markers bear inscriptions in Hebrew, German, Romanian, and French, reflecting the diverse history of the community.

The cemetery was founded in 1865 as a burial place for the Ashkenazi Jewish community and grew over several decades. A chapel was built in 1908 by the Sacred Burial Society following Western traditions, which further shaped the site.

The cemetery serves as a gathering place where Jewish burial customs and local history merge, visible through the multilingual inscriptions on the grave markers. Regular memorial gatherings here honor those who died in service and reflect the values of the community.

The cemetery is located along Boulevard Ion Mihalache and remains open and accessible to visitors. When visiting, wear respectful clothing and be aware this is a sacred religious space where traditional ceremonies are regularly held.

The small chapel on the grounds blends Moorish, Romanesque, and Neoclassical styles in an unusual way, designed by architect Leonida Negrescu. Its five distinct cupolas make it a visual standout among the grave markers.