Cimitero Monumentale di Milano

Milan, Italy

The Cimitero Monumentale is one of the two largest cemeteries in Milan, the other one being the Cimitero Maggiore. It is noted for the abundance of artistic tombs and monuments.

Designed by the architect Carlo Maciachini (1818–1899), it was planned to consolidate a number of small cemeteries that used to be scattered around the city into a single location.

Officially opened in 1866, it has since then been filled with a wide range of contemporary and classical Italian sculptures as well as Greek temples, elaborate obelisks, and other original works such as a scaled-down version of the Trajan's Column. Many of the tombs belong to noted industrialist dynasties, and were designed by artists such as Adolfo Wildt, Giò Ponti, Arturo Martini, Dante Parini, Lucio Fontana, Medardo Rosso, Giacomo Manzù, Floriano Bodini, and Giò Pomodoro.

The main entrance is through the large Famedio, a massive Hall of Fame-like Neo-Medieval style building made of marble and stone that contains the tombs of some of the city's and the country's most honored citizens, including that of novelist Alessandro Manzoni.

The Civico Mausoleo Palanti designed by the architect Mario Palanti is a tomb built for meritorious 'Milanesi', or citizens of Milan. The memorial of about 800 Milanese killed in Nazi concentration camps is located in the center and is the work of the group BBPR, formed by leading exponents of Italian rationalist architecture that included Gianluigi Banfi.

The cemetery has a special section for those who do not belong to the Catholic religion and a Jewish section.

Near the entrance there is a permanent exhibition of prints, photographs, and maps outlining the cemetery's historical development. It includes two battery-operated electric hearses built in the 1920s.

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Details

Founded: 1866
Category: Cemeteries, mausoleums and burial places in Italy

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Caner Yeniyurt (2 months ago)
We visited the Monumental Cemetery of Milan in winter, and it was an unforgettable experience. This stunning place is not just a cemetery but an open-air museum filled with breathtaking sculptures, intricate mausoleums, and historical significance. Walking through the peaceful pathways with my partner, we were amazed by the artistic details and the stories behind each monument. The Famedio (Hall of Fame) is particularly impressive. Even in winter, the serene atmosphere and the unique charm of the architecture made it a perfect spot to explore. Highly recommend it for art and history lovers visiting Milan!
Ahmed Sabeck (2 months ago)
Great location with some beautiful architecture and sculptures, a lot of unique tombs and tombstones, and an iconic main building definitely worthy of being called monumental. The whole place is quite large and it’s expectedly calm and quiet, making for a great place to walk among the interesting designs and the more- and lesser-known tombs. The main building and the hall with Manzoni’s tombstone is really beautiful, and the walk along the terraces is interesting.
Katarzyna P. (4 months ago)
I think it was the most interesting place in Milano. We took the most photos here during our entire stay in Milan. Beautiful monuments of human vanity and the need to show love for your loved ones, and i personalny think - your economic status. Very interesting and worth to see.
Kiryl Shantyka (4 months ago)
Very special and very beautiful place to visit. You learn quite a lot about the relation to death and perception of memory in Italy while walking through truly beautiful paths, featuring interception of greenery, stone, art and death.
lyka ablaza (5 months ago)
Beautiful cemetery but when we visited, they closed the main building so we could not enter upstairs. Nonetheless, the tombs outside were impressive and adorned with sculptures. The cemetery is well-maintained. Tourists are welcome with free entrance. Easily accessible by subway or tram.
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