A walk around Milan Monumental Cemetery

I first visited Milan’s Monumental cemetery, or Cimitero Monumentale di Milano, as it’s called in Italian, about five years ago. It’s a fascinating place that I revisited recently.

Since 1866 the cemetery has been filled with a range of both contemporary and classical Italian sculptures as well as Greek temples, elaborate obelisks, and other original works. Many of the tombs belong to noted industrial dynasties, some who are among the most famous international brands. Those buried in the cemetery represent a Who’s Who of Milan over the years. If one was buried here at the Cimitero Monumentale, it was evidence at least, that economic success and a high social status were achieved.

Monumental Cemetery is considered an extraordinary open-air museum in that has recorded both the historical events of the city and the lives of its leading citizens. The cemetery makes an ideal location to slowly stroll around observing the artistic tombs and monumental graves in more detail. The cemetery covers an area of 250,000 square meters (2,700,000 sq ft) and has plenty of shaded areas created by the many trees. Monumental as a whole creates an ambiance not matched in many locales.

trees line the walkway of the Monumental Cemetery of Milan

More Info:

The cemetery is open for free entry. Cemetery’s hours: Tue-Sun 8:00 to 18:00. Closed on Mondays. The cemetery is located about 2.5 km north of the center. Take tram: 2, 4, 7, (stop Farini), 12 and 14 (stop Bramante) or Bus: 37 (stop Monumental) 70 (stop Farini) 94 (stop Porta Volta).

More photos of the Monumental Cemetery of Milan

a tomb in the Monumental Cemetery of Milan