Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of Palermo’s “Cimitero dei Nobili”. This is another name for the Cimitero di Santa Maria di Gesù. It is Palermo’s oldest monumental cemetery. We stand on Salita Belvedere. The Cimitero di Santa Maria di Gesù unfolds before us. It is more than just a burial ground. It is a testament to Palermo’s rich history and the final resting place for many of its most influential figures.
The cemetery shares its name with the adjacent church and convent. Both are dedicated to Santa Maria di Gesù. The area sits at the foot of Monte Grifone. The location offers a panoramic view. Once it overlooked the “Conca d’Oro”. This area was famous for its citrus groves.
The Cimitero di Santa Maria di Gesù is renowned for its numerous family chapels. These belong to some of Palermo’s most prominent families. This is why it’s called the “Cimitero dei Nobili”. As we explore this historic site, notice the diverse architectural styles.
Construction of the Cimitero di Santa Maria di Gesù began in 1878. The City of Palermo started work after acquiring ecclesiastical properties. This expanded the existing burials near the church square.
Many notable people are buried here at the Cimitero di Santa Maria di Gesù. These include Antonino Agostino. He was a police officer killed by the Mafia. Enrico Albanese was Giuseppe Garibaldi’s doctor. Paolo Borsellino was a magistrate killed by the Mafia. His family chose to keep him here. They declined to move his remains to the Pantheon of illustrious Sicilians.
Franca Florio rests here. She was a noblewoman known as the “Queen of Palermo”. Vincenzo Florio is also here. He was an entrepreneur and creator of the Targa Florio car race. Giuseppe Insalaco was a politician murdered by the Mafia. Luigi Mercantini was a poet and journalist. Mariano Stabile was a politician and patriot.
Artistic treasures abound at the Cimitero di Santa Maria di Gesù. The La Grua-Talamanca chapel dates back to the 15th century. Benedetto Civiletti created the Ragusa family monument in 1873. Francesco Paolo Palazzotto designed the Mercadante chapel in 1885. Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda created the monument to philosopher Paolo Morello in 1889. Ernesto Basile designed the Nicosia chapel in 1899.
The Florio family chapel stands out. Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda designed it. A sculpture by Benedetto De Lisi marks the entrance. It depicts a lion drinking from a fountain. The Palazzotto family tomb is another notable work. Giovan Battista Palazzotto designed it.
The Cimitero di Santa Maria di Gesù is a place of beauty and reflection. It is a journey through Palermo’s past. Each tomb and chapel tells a story. The stories connect to the city’s vibrant cultural heritage. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry and history. The Cimitero di Santa Maria di Gesù is a place where memories live on.