Isn’t it intriguing how even cemeteries can reflect a city’s soul? We’re standing at Boninovo Cemetery in Dubrovnik. It is more than just a burial ground. It mirrors the city’s history and its people.
Boninovo Cemetery tells a story of communities coming together. It shows how Dubrovnik embraced different cultures and faiths. Originally, burials took place in churches. A decree in 1808 forbade this practice. Space was limited. The Jewish community established a graveyard at Boninovo in 1811. In 1837 the Orthodox Parish completed its cemetery.
Notice the layout of Boninovo. It’s built on land where Dubrovnik nobility once had summer homes. These villas were burned during the Russian-Montenegrin siege in 1806. This cleared the space. The Orthodox cemetery was built in the garden of the Pozza-Sorgo family villa. The central tree alley became the cemetery’s main path.
The Municipal cemetery follows a similar pattern. The main alley to the Holy Cross chapel was once a garden path. The chapel itself is a rebuilt summer villa. It belonged to the Altesti family. The cemetery walls are the original fences of these estates. The main gate is adapted from the Altesti summer residence gate.
Look around at the grave memorials. They showcase various styles. Classicism Historicism Modernism and simplicity are all represented. Local artists influenced the designs. Baldo Kosić Ivo Ćurlica and Frano Kršinić left their mark. Local stonecutters created many of the memorials. Giovanni Collonna’s workshop produced many memorials. He was an Italian artist.
Dubrovnikers’ modesty is reflected here. Compared to other Adriatic merchant towns, the memorials are simple. There are no grand mausoleums here. The focus is on understated elegance.
Boninovo pioneered a new way of using space. First, the Jewish and Orthodox communities converted summer residences into cemeteries. Later the Catholic population followed suit. The choice of a peripheral location proved wise. Today, Boninovo is near the city center.
Boninovo reflects Dubrovnik’s demographics. Croats Italians Austrians Czechs and Poles are buried here. The Orthodox cemetery holds Serbs Montenegrins Greeks and Russians. The Jewish cemetery is for Jews and Croats. The Muslim cemetery is for Bosniaks and Croats.
Boninovo stands as a testament to Dubrovnik’s past. It is a place of rest. It is a reflection of the city’s spirit. It shows how different cultures and religions can coexist. It represents Dubrovnik’s unique history.