One of the most colorful and enchanting nights in Poland is actually associated with All Saints Day when hundreds upon thousands of candles and flowers decorate the graves of Polish cemeteries. It was on an All Saints evening that I made my way to Rakowicki Cemetery not only to take in the glowing candle light and to remember those that had passed but also to enjoy the beautiful architecture of this historic cemetery.

A place to visit not only on All Saints, the cemetery is the resting place of many influential and famous Poles including the artist Jan Matejko, Pope John Paul II’s parents and noble prize winner for literature Wisława Szymborska just to name a few. Stroll the alleys of this cemetery and admire the beautiful grave markers, chapels and mausoleums. Rakowicki is one of the most famous cemeteries in Poland and definitely one of the most important. It is worth visiting if you have the time and just a short walk from the dense city center.