Cementerio Francisco Bolognesi

Did you ever consider the stories whispered by the silent stones of Cementerio Francisco Bolognesi? Here in Cayma, Arequipa, the Cementerio Francisco Bolognesi isn’t just a resting place. It is a living testament to the passage of time and the lives lived within this vibrant city. Originally, the cemetery reached its full capacity with 1,390 niches. The need for more space was evident. In 2025, Mayor Jaime Chávez Flores inaugurated a significant expansion. This expansion added over 600 new niches, breathing new life into the aging cemetery. The project, delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, added 243 niches on the first level of the pavilions near the entrance. An additional 360 niches were constructed on the second level. Mayor Chávez Flores also spoke about plans for a new cemetery in the upper part of the district. This new cemetery is meant to further alleviate the strain on existing burial grounds. The first stage of its construction, with an investment of 4 million soles, was slated to begin in 2021. A second stage, with a similar investment, was planned to follow. The Cementerio Francisco Bolognesi also houses the remains of prominent figures from Arequipa’s history. While not directly related to the cemetery’s expansion, this adds another layer to the stories held within its walls. Among those resting here is Josefa de la Fuente de Bolognesi, the wife of the national hero Francisco Bolognesi. This cemetery holds a piece of Peru’s national history within its grounds. The address of Cementerio Francisco Bolognesi is on Calle Aviación. As you wander through the rows of niches and memorials, remember each stone represents a life lived, a story waiting to be rediscovered.