Doesn’t it strike you as a bit odd visiting a cemetery on a tour? Yet, here we are at the Cimitero Monumentale in Milan. This isn’t just any burial ground. It’s an open-air museum of art and history.
The Cimitero Monumentale was established in 1866. It replaced smaller cemeteries scattered around Milan. Think of it as a consolidation and upgrade of Milan’s final resting places. Carlo Maciachini designed it. He envisioned a beautiful and commemorative space.
Spread across 250000 square meters this cemetery is vast. Wide avenues and green spaces create a serene atmosphere. But it’s the sculptures and tombs that truly captivate. Renowned Italian artists contributed to these elaborate structures. The Cimitero Monumentale transformed into an open-air art gallery.
Look around you. You’ll see Greek temples and elaborate obelisks. There is even a scaled-down version of Trajan’s Column. Many tombs belong to noted industrialist families. Artists like Adolfo Wildt and Giò Ponti designed them.
Our first stop is the Famedio. It is a massive Hall of Fame-like building. It’s made of marble and stone in Neo-Medieval style. The Famedio contains the tombs of honored citizens. Alessandro Manzoni rests here. He was a celebrated novelist.
Did you know that the Cimitero Monumentale has a special section for those of other faiths? There’s a Jewish section. It opened in 1872. It replaced cemeteries from different areas.
The Cimitero Monumentale also houses the Crematorium Temple. It opened in 1876. It was one of the first crematoriums in the Western world. The Crematorium Temple was operational until 1992. It also served as a columbarium.
Signals guide visitors to remarkable tombs. Arturo Toscanini is buried here. He was a renowned conductor. Gaspare Campari also rests here. He was the creator of the famous drink. Many Milanese mayors are interred here.
Notice the Campari family tomb. It features a bronze reproduction of Da Vinci’s Last Supper. It’s a fitting tribute to a family known for their artistic flair. Consider the monument to Antonio Bernocchi. It resembles the Tower of Babel. It is decorated with marble sculptures.
The Cimitero Monumentale occasionally hosts cultural events. These include exhibitions and concerts. They add to its artistic significance.
As you wander through the Cimitero Monumentale take your time. Admire the artistry and remember the lives. This isn’t just a cemetery. It’s a testament to Milan’s rich cultural heritage. It’s a place where art and history converge.