Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno — Attraction in Genoa

The Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno in Italy is a breathtaking open-air museum that showcases stunning sculptures, intricate tombs, and serene landscapes. this cemetery is a must-visit destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Highlights:

Artistic Masterpieces-The cemetery features exquisite sculptures, from neoclassical to baroque styles, that adorn the tombs of notable figures. The Oneto Tomb, designed by Giulio Monteverde, and the Caterina Campodonico tomb are standout examples of artistic grandeur.

Historical Significance-Staglieno Cemetery is the final resting place of influential figures like Giuseppe Mazzini, a key architect of Italy's unification, and Constance Lloyd, Oscar Wilde's wife. Serene Atmosphere-The cemetery's peaceful environment, lush greenery, and serene landscapes create a tranquil retreat from the city.

Cultural Impact-Staglieno has inspired notable visitors like Mark Twain, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Guy de Maupassant, and has even featured on Joy Division's album covers.

Tips for Visitors-

Guided Tours-Consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and artistry of the cemetery.

Plan Your Visit-Allocate at least half a day to explore the vast grounds, and visit early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid crowds. Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery covers a large area with uneven paths.

-Practical Information-

Address-Piazzale Giovanni Battista Resasco, 2, 16137 Genova GE, Italy -Hours-Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Overall, the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno is a captivating destination that offers a profound journey through art, history, and culture. Its stunning sculptures, serene atmosphere, and historical significance make it an...

This is a cemetery on an epic scale. It can be viewed as two sections; the formal quadrangle with vast two storey galleries lined with statuary and cremation urn compartments, and the informal layout which, much like Genova itself, is carved out of the hillside. The Genoese take death seriously. Sumptuous monuments tell a story with life size family members grieving over the deceased surrounded by angels to help them on the journey to the afterlife. Others like to compare themselves to gods posing majestically. The quality and indeed the quantity of statuary is remarkable. On the hillside is a village of the dead with named roads, monuments as big as churches, some that look like small houses, and again full of statuary. The tree-lined roads go on forever. And steps lead off these to off-road terraces cut in to the slope, each an individual avenue of graves. There is a lot of steps. Some have subsided and restoration is never ending. No space is left empty. Urn compartments are stacked 5m high and step ladders are provided for changing flowers in the vases and batteries in the lanterns. Even the roofs of the galleries are lined with cremation urn compartments. I always say if you want to understand the history of a place look at its architecture. In the case of Genova, you should also look at...

It dates back to 1804 to Napoleon when he forbade burials in churches and towns. It's a massive cemetery covering over a square kilometre which makes this the largest in Europe. This is an impressive undertaking with burial tombs of well known Genoese families. It also has Oscar Wilde's wife, Constance Lloyd, buried here. Of Ferruccio Parri (29th Prime Minister of Italy), singer songwriter Fabrizio De André, Nino Brixio, Giuseppe Mazzini to mention a few. Outstanding sculpture among the tombs is The Monteverde Angel by Giulio Monteverde at the tomb of Genoese Banker, Francesco Oneto.This cemetery has been written about (like Mark Twain's "Innocents Abroad", and photographed and used as album cover for bands like Joy Division. This is an amazing experience to admire funereal sculptures so realistic that it will last for generations. An...