“Rest in peace” might be the most common phrase associated with such a place. But behind me is the Cimitero di Ruginello. It is more than just a final resting place. It is a historical landmark.
The Cimitero di Ruginello is one of four communal cemeteries in Vimercate. You can find it on Via Indipendenza. The cemetery shares opening hours with the other three. In January and February, it is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. From March to April, the hours extend from 7 AM to 6 PM. May through August sees the longest hours. It is open from 7 AM to 8 PM. September and October hours are 7 AM to 6 PM. Finally, November and December it returns to 8 AM to 5 PM.
Within the Cimitero di Ruginello stands the Chiesetta di Santa Maria Assunta. This small church dates back to the 13th century. It features frescoes from the 15th century. The Chiesetta embodies a typical rural church. Its facade is gabled. The interior consists of a single nave.
In the 15th century, some walls were adorned with frescoes. A Gothic chapel was added to the church’s southwest corner. The church was nearly abandoned in the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, it became the burial chapel for the village.
Between the 17th and 18th centuries, the bell tower was built. Interventions were made on the facade. A series of rooms were added to the church’s northern side. These additions incorporated the Gothic chapel.
The Cimitero di Ruginello is undergoing changes. In fact, the city council approved a project for new tombs and ossuaries. This initiative falls under the Three-Year Public Works Program for 2021-2023. The municipal technical office is overseeing the project.
The project involves an investment of 92,000 euros. A structure with 11 spaces will be created. It will accommodate 22 tombs. This structure will be placed parallel to existing ones in Campo F. Two prefabricated units will be installed. These will house remains and ashes along the south perimeter wall of the cemetery. Work is scheduled to begin in the spring.
If you need assistance, several contacts are available. For bereavement services, call 3382923724. For custody or emergencies, dial 3355965431. For exhumations and burial expirations, contact 3386130805. To report gate malfunctions, call 3357162574. For votive lights, reach out to Impresa Zanetti at 0382874121.
The Cimitero di Ruginello serves as a testament to time. It blends historical architecture with ongoing community needs. It stands as a place of remembrance. It offers solace and honors the lives of those who came before us.