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

Amy Buchanan (3 months ago)
This cemetery is truly exceptional. I have been to many incredible cemeteries and art museums around the world, but the monumental cemetery is very special. It truly is a gallery of a memorializing the departed. The works of art here are absolutely phenomenal. A few of them gave me goosebumps when I stood by them. The artists that created these memorials truly captured grief, sorrow, love. It is a large place and almost overwhelming with all the there is to see, but I definitely recommend coming here. It is very peaceful and a great place to feel connected with all the souls here that touched this world once.
Razvan S (4 months ago)
A unique kind of place to visit and a perfect thematic walk in a foggy and gray December day. You’ll find castles and museums in lots of other locations, but not this type of attraction. Makes you wonder how rich some families were on Earth if they afforded spending so much money for the afterlife. The architecture is impressive and very diverse, you’ll find one sculpture better than the other, like it was some sort of afterlife grandeur contest. The entrance is free and it was not crowded when we visited. Definitely worth a visit.
Ar. Lakshmi raj (6 months ago)
Typically, cemeteries are not a destination for many people but Milan's Monumental Cemetery is an exception. It is a unique place that transforms a burial site into a spectacular open-air art museum. I was impressed by how the cemetery was filled with art and life, and it turned out to be a must-visit place in Milan. The best part is that it is admission-free, making it a valuable and enriching experience that one should not miss. Do you like visiting cemeteries?
DNL GRMN (6 months ago)
This cemetery is truly monumental. The scale of the mausoleums are big. And there are so many on them. Also the graves are very impressive. It’s really worth to pay a visit. Access is free
Ibsen Vila (7 months ago)
As the name suggests, it is a monumental cemetery indeed. If you have time in Milan, I totally recommend visiting. So many beautiful artworks your jaw will drop.
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