Staglieno Monumental Cemetery: between Art and Memory
DURATION
2.5-3 hours
TYPE OF ROUTE
By foot
SUITABLE FOR
All ages
The Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno is a world-class site where marble breathes amidst nature. More than a place of memory, it is an infinite archive of art, symbolism, and history. From icons like the Monteverde Angel and the peanut seller Caterina Campodonico to Mazzini’s mausoleum and the Partisans’ field, every step reveals a unique story. It is a monumental garden, a rare green exception within Genoa’s urban landscape.
This customizable journey spans different eras: from the elegant Art Nouveau and Deco lines to the rich symbolism of the Jewish and Protestant sections. For fans of contemporary culture, the path includes the Appiani and Ribaudo tombs—made iconic by Joy Division—concluding with a tribute to the Genoese bard Fabrizio De André. This tour stems from my historical research and dedication to memorial site preservation.
Outdoor tour, free entry. Closed during orange/red weather alerts. Accessible for wheelchair users via optimized flat routes (due to uneven terrain).
- For an introduction to the cemetery, the historic portico and the Boschetto area contain the best-known monuments, including Giulio Monteverde’s Angel adorning the Oneto Tomb, the tomb of Caterina Campodonico, the peanut seller, and that of Giuseppe Mazzini.
- For a deeper insight into funerary symbols, the Jewish and Protestant sections of the cemetery are of particular interest.
- For enthusiasts of the 1900s, the western area and the porticos contain tombs inspired by the Liberty, Art Deco and Modernist styles, such as those by the great artists Eugenio Baroni and Leonardo Bistolfi.
- For those interested in discovering the names and stories of those who fought for the Unification of Italy and the Liberation, the ideal path is one that leads from the Boschetto to the Pantheon (where illustrious Genovese are buried) and the Partisans’ burial ground.
- For fans of 80s punk, the Appiani and Ribaudo tombs featured on the album covers of Joy Division, are bound to make an impression. The tomb of the De André family is an unmissable stop for fans of the much-loved Genoese singer-songwriter Fabrizio.
- Duration: these itineraries can be combined. The duration of a tour therefore depends on your choice of itinerary and varies from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Suitable for: small groups interested in local history, art, funerary symbolism and cemeteries in general.
- Note: the cemetery can be reached by bus from the city centre and from Genova Brignole and Piazza Principe stations (no.s 34, 13 & 14 – journey time about 20 minutes). Around the cemetery there is a large free parking area.
- Dates of regular tours at Staglieno are published on the daletvisiteguidate Facebook page. Dalet Percorsi di Memoria is an ongoing project dedicated to the study and the memory of places.
For urgent requests
contact me at the number: +39 349 8091682
