Cementerio de Canillejas

Tucked away in the vibrant tapestry of Madrid lies the Cementerio de Canillejas. It whispers stories of lives lived and legacies left behind. The Cementerio de Canillejas isn’t just a place of rest. It’s a mirror reflecting the heart of Madrid. The records from the nearby church of Canillas, dating back to the 17th century, reveal fascinating details about burial practices. There were seven different burial types at the church, each correlating to the donated alms. The location of the burial and the number of funerals held were determined by this contribution. Some entries even served as testaments, noting not just the deceased but also their final wishes. The Cementerio de Canillejas stands as a testament to the changing burial customs. Originally, burials took place within churches or adjacent cemeteries. Madrid’s church of San Sebastián was an exception, with its small cemetery behind it. However, events like the fire at Santa Cruz church in 1763 highlighted the sanitary risks. The fire exposed bodies and created a terrible stench. This spurred the need for change. In 1787, under Charles III, a decree was issued. Cemeteries were to be moved outside city limits. The decree suggested placing them near outlying hermitages to maintain Christian burial rites. However, implementation was slow. Only in 1809, under Joseph Bonaparte, did a new decree reinforce the urgency of extramural cemeteries. Four were planned for Madrid. This included the General del Norte Cemetery. By 1813, Madrid’s mayor decreed direct transport of bodies from homes to cemeteries. Public displays in churches were prohibited to avoid public health issues. This practice became mandatory throughout Madrid province. By 1884, the rapid growth of Madrid necessitated further change. A royal order mandated the closure of cemeteries within the expanding city. This order also led to the prominence of the East Cemetery, also known as La Almudena Cemetery. Today, the Cementerio de Canillejas serves the community, a quiet reminder of Madrid’s rich past. The Cementerio de Canillejas is accessible to people with reduced mobility through the main paths, though navigating the narrower paths may present some challenges. For further inquiries or information about administrative procedures, the Almudena Cemetery handles all official matters for Cementerio de Canillejas.