Did you know that Cimetiere de Cap-d’Ail is not just a final resting place? It is a vibrant tapestry of lives and legacies overlooking the azure sea. Above Monaco on the border with Cap-d’Ail, Monaco Cemetery looks out to sea. It has been the eternal resting place of Monegasques and residents since 1868. It has a lot of history and stories.
Monaco Cemetery is now the sole cemetery in Monaco. The cemeteries of Saint-Nicolas Sainte-Devote parishes and Saint-Martin Chapel merged in 1868. This created one place of remembrance in Monaco. As we wander around the cemetery notice the special care taken in maintaining the premises. The galleries are named after flowers and are spread over different levels.
Monaco Cemetery has undergone many alterations to extend protect and embellish the site. The name plaques were set in the cement by small wooden pegs. Over the years the wood rotted and the plaques fell off. The plaques were taken down and a new frame made with Venetian resin. The plaques were put back and the paving redone in partnership with the Town Hall. The ceilings were also redone.
Monaco Cemetery also boasts a columbarium unique in Europe. No other site in Europe has the number of columbarium niches that Monaco has. There are 546 niches. In Monaco 60% of the deceased are cremated. The urns are stored in the columbarium for 30 years facing the Mediterranean. Ashes can be scattered in the Garden of Remembrance below. The names of the deceased are added to the memorial column in the columbarium.
The commemorative stele was inaugurated in the presence of Prince Albert II in 2015. It pays tribute to those who were deported from Monaco during the Second World War. The 11th of November is commemorated in front of the stele. The 3rd of September is also commemorated when Cap d’Ail was liberated. The artist Josephine Baker was admitted to the Pantheon. Her body still lies in the cemetery in line with her childrens wishes.
The visit ends with the Garden of Remembrance where cremation ashes are scattered. The ashes are poured into a funnel and collected in an underground container. Under no circumstances should the ashes leave the cemetery. Monaco Cemetery continues to evolve as major works are regularly carried out by the Town Hall. The aim is to honour the Principality’s deceased and keep their memories alive.