CIMITERO DI STAGLIENO [IT]

Exploration #202 Cimitero di Staglieno (testo italiano a fondo pagina). The monumental Cimitero di Staglieno is the largest burial place in Genova. It is one of the most important monumental cemeteries in Europe and is considered a true open-air museum. Illustrious sons of the Ligurian capital and other famous people are buried there, including one of the fathers of the Italian homeland, Giuseppe Mazzini, the Prime Minister and partisan Ferruccio Parri, and the composer of the music for the Italian anthem, Michele Novaro.

Work began in 1844 and the building was opened to the public on 2 January 1851. After various extensions over time, it now covers an area of around 330,000 square metres. Along the hill above it, monumental chapels in Gothic, Byzantine, Neo-Egyptian, Art Nouveau, Mesopotamian and Neoclassical styles can be found.

Genoa’s main cemetery has undergone a decline over time, also due to its size, while retaining its charm. The old tombs and sculptures are now greyed by dust, smog and overgrown shrubs. Although left abandoned, they remain equally full of grace and perfect in structure, remaining one of the best examples of the funerary art with which the Genoese bourgeoisie of the 19th century flaunted its opulence (source: wikipedia).