Cimitero Monumentale di Milano (Monumental Cemetery of Milan) is a large cemetery in Milan. Famous for the abundance of artistic tombs and monuments, the cemetery is an open-air museum, which definitely deserves to be on the list of the most important tourist attractions of the city. SHORT HISTORY In 1837, the Austrian administration of the Lombardo-Venetian Kingdom requested the construction of a new cemetery to replace the six pre-existing Milanese cemeteries. The winner of the final competition organized by the Municipality was the project of the architect Carlo Maciachini, designed in 1864 in an Eclectic style, with Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque references. The inaugural blessing was given by Monsignor Giuseppe Calvi on November 2, 1866, in the presence of the mayor of Milan, Antonio Beretta. On the same day, the first burial took place, that of the body of the composer Gustavo Noseda. The official opening of the cemetery took place on January 1, 1867. Since then, the cemetery was gradually enriched with funerary works of classical and contemporary genre. ART AND ARCHITECTURE For the high artistic value of sculptures, tombs, funeral shrines and other works inside, the Milan Monumental Cemetery is among the most artistically and historically Read more [...]
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Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Buy tickets & tours:GetYourGuide The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is one of the most extraordinary early Christian monuments in Ravenna, renowned worldwide for its exceptionally preserved 5th-century mosaics. Located in Via Galla Placidia, in the northern area of Ravenna’s historic center, this compact brick building conceals an interior of astonishing artistic richness. Despite its modest exterior appearance, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is considered one of the finest surviving examples of early Christian mosaic art and architecture in the Mediterranean world. Dating to the first half of the 5th century, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia belongs to a crucial historical period when Ravenna served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Its decoration reflects the transition from classical Roman artistic traditions to a new Christian visual language, combining symbolic imagery, theological meaning, and refined craftsmanship. For this reason, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna”, a designation that recognizes its universal cultural value. Although traditionally associated with Galla Placidia, one of the most influential women of late antiquity, the monument’s function, symbolism, and artistic program extend beyond its funerary reputation. Today, the mausoleum stands as a key stop Read more [...]
Tomb of Dante
Buy tickets & tours:VivaTicket The Tomb of Dante in Ravenna is the Neoclassical mausoleum that houses the mortal remains of Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), one of the most influential poets in world literature and author of The Divine Comedy. Built in 1780-1781 next to the Basilica of San Francesco, this national monument stands at the heart of Ravenna’s historic center, forming part of a larger memorial area dedicated to Dante’s life and work. The burial site sits within a quiet, pedestrianized area known as the “Zone of Silence” (zona dantesca), where visitors are encouraged to observe silence and respect, reflecting the solemn legacy of the Supreme Poet. Although Dante was born in Florence, he died in exile in Ravenna on September 13-14, 1321, and was buried there the day after his death. Over the centuries, numerous efforts were made to relocate his remains to his native city, but they never succeeded. Today, the Tomb of Dante remains in Ravenna as a powerful symbol of literary history and cultural memory, drawing visitors from around the world. Short History of the Tomb of Dante Dante Alighieri spent the last years of his life in Ravenna under the patronage of Guido Novello Read more [...]
Camposanto Monumentale
Buy tickets & tours:GetYourGuide Camposanto Monumentale is a monumental cemetery in Pisa, located in Piazza dei Miracoli, near the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. SHORT HISTORY According to tradition, the Archbishop Ubaldo Lanfranchi filled the interior of Campo Santo (Holy Field) with soil from Golgotha, brought by Pisan ships returning from the fourth crusade. In reality, the cemetery was created to collect various burials and sarcophagi spread around the Cathedral. Camposanto Monumentale was built starting with 1277 by Giovanni di Simone. After the death of the architect and the crisis caused by the Pisan defeat in the battle of Meloria of 1284, the works were slowed down. Starting with 1360, the walls were decorated with frescoes with subjects related to the theme of life and death. During this period, Buonamico Buffalmacco painted the Triumph of Death, and Francesco Traini the Crucifixion. Shortly afterwards, Giovanni Scorcialupi painted the frescoes with the Stories of Christ, while Stefano da Firenze painted an Assumption above the eastern door. The cycle was continued a few decades later by Andrea Bonaiuti, Antonio Veneziano and Spinello Aretino. Near the end of the 14th century, Taddeo Gaddi painted Stories of Job, and Piero di Puccio painted Stories Read more [...]
