The Romanian soldiers' cemeteries in Sofia, as well as the Serbian ones, represent an interesting place of memory of the First World War. They are located in the Central Sofia Cemetery. Today they are relatively well maintained. As well as the Serbian ones. there are also directional signs to them so they are not difficult to find.
Romanian Soldiers' Cemeteries - a brief historical reference
"The Cemetery of Heroes in Sofia is one of the eight Romanian soldiers' cemeteries in Bulgaria. Their list can be found on the official website of the Romanian National Office for the Tribute to Heroes (ONCE).
It seems that the Romanian Soldiers' Cemetery in Sofia was established in 1920 by the Romanian community in Sofia. According to a contemporary source - lista-prizonierilor-romani-sofia-bulgaria 253 soldiers who died in Bulgarian captivity are buried there. At the same time, there are reports of 400 soldiers who died as a result of the Second Balkan War and the First World War.
A commemorative monument was erected in the Romanian War Cemetery. It stands on a common tomb. It is made of a massive stone block in the shape of an obelisk. An eagle is mounted on top, holding a laurel wreath in its talons.
The Cemetery of Romanian Heroes in Sofia was restored with the financial support of the National Office for the Tribute to Heroes (ONCE).
In conclusion, we recall the poems of the great Bulgarian poet Dimcho Debelyanov:
He is no longer our enemy
- the living from the enemies
a tumultuous wave swept them
somewhere towards the opposite shore.
Here, in the slurred syllable
he lay still pale
with resigned sorrow
gazing into the vault clear and deep.
And on the grey land,
Warmed by the caresses of the south,
flutter timid and unnecessary
blood-spattered letters.
Who is he and where has he been?
Whose call brought him to us,
in a day of victories
to die undefeated?
[...]
And under the enemy's banner
was preparing for us mercy?
- No, he took what was coming to him,
the dead is not our enemy!
Gallery
Below we present you photos showing the present state of the cemetery.
