Before you visit the cemetery, take a look at this quick overview of some important information regarding the Cimitero Monumentale -
Location - Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
Entry fee - There is no entry fee.
Timing - Tuesday to Sunday - 8 AM to 6 PM. Closed on Monday.
Distance from Nearest Airport - Bresso Airport is the nearest airport from the Cimitero Monumentale about 7kms.
History of Cimitero Monumentale
The Cimitero Monumentale officially opened in the year of 1867 and was operational till the year of 1992. The main idea behind the establishment of this wonderful monument was to unify all the small cemeteries which were scattered at different parts of Milan during that period.
The Cimitero Monumentale helped to merge all cemeteries into one place and was once the epitome of Greek and Italian architecture. It was one of the first crematorium which was opened to the Western World back in those days.
Inside this monument is a Jewish Section which was designed by famous architect Carlo Maciachini in the year of 1872. It became the substitute for the Porta Tenaglia, Porta Magenta and Porta Vercellina cemeteries. This area came into being in 1913 during the enlargement of the cemetery.
Earlier, the central building used to be the entrance for this wonderful cemetery. This building holds significant importance during the Romanticism period of the mid-1800s.
Highlights of Cimitero Monumentale
Take a look at some of the main highlights of the Cimitero Monumentale -
- The moment you enter Cimitero Monumentale, you will witness that Milan's wealthy families have tried to top each other by constructing large tombs decorated with various elements like angels, putti, sphinx, etc. Different architectural styles have been used like Egyptian, neo-Roman and Byzantine.
- One of the notable monuments here is the family tomb of Bocconi - founder of Rinascente warehouse and Bocconi University. The tomb is made of decorated marble baldachin. You will find beautiful statues of mourning women at the very foot of Jesus Christ here when he was crucified.
Giannino Castiglioni was the main architect and along with him, others include - Giacomo Manzù, Medardo Rosso, Odoardo Tabacchi, Leonardo Bistolfi, Ernesto Bazzaro, and so on.
- You will find several sculptures that have been inspired by The Last Supper which was commissioned by the Bruni Family.
An Open-Air Museum
Spread over 250,000 sq. metres, the Cimitero Monumentale is currently the home to a whole lot of souvenirs and artefacts which hold great historical significance. The main entrance of the Cimitero Monumentale is really beautiful. It is lined by several sculptures, mosaics and other souvenirs of that era.
On the left of the main entrance, you will find the photography exhibition where you can witness the development of the cemetery. Also, at the end of the exhibition, you will witness two electric hearses which are from the 1920s.
Travellers tip for Visiting Cimitero Monumentale
When you are at the Cimitero Monumentale, there are some tips you should keep in mind. Have a look at them in these points -
- Don't forget to check the open-air museum situated inside the premise.
- You can take local English-speaking driver-guide for better understanding.
- Make sure to dress properly when you visit the cemetery and wear light clothes during the summers.
- Always speak quietly here and avoid running or playing inside the premise.
