Memorialul Victimelor Comunismului și al Rezistenței

The Memorial to the Victims of Communism and to the Resistance, set in the former prison of Sighetu Marmației, is one of Romania's most important and most moving museums. In the 1950s the building held the country's political, cultural and religious elite — former ministers, academicians, bishops — many of whom died here in inhuman conditions. Today each cell houses a themed exhibition on repression, collectivisation, deportations, anti-communist resistance and everyday life under dictatorship. In the courtyard, a sculptural group and the ‘Space of Reflection' complete the route.

Founded by the writer Ana Blandiana and Romulus Rusan, the memorial serves as both museum and research centre on communism. The visit is dense and emotional, recommended to anyone wishing to understand Romania's recent history. Allow at least two hours and check the schedule, which may be shorter off-season.