Verona Cemetery, a Work of Art
- REDAZIONALE
The two lions guarding the entrance conceal a hidden treasure which is still relatively unknown. A piece of history from the 19th century, created by famous and lesser-known people from Verona. Many people are unaware that Verona cemetery is not just a burial ground, it is more like an open-air museum.
It is no accident that this cemetery, dating from the late 1800s, was built so far from the city centre. This location was chosen by Napoleon’s troops, who controlled the city at the time, for reasons of hygiene. It is also interesting to see how the tombs are arranged according to the social standing of the families: those of the rich are in covered passages, protected from bad weather, whilst those of poorer families are outside.
Which famous people are buried here? You may know the writer Emilio Salgari for his swashbuckling adventure stories. There is also the great futurist artist Umberto Boccioni, the architect Michele Sanmicheli and the poets Berto Barbarani and Ippolito Pindemonte. But what really stands out about this place is the art it contains.
A family's wealth influenced not only the positioning of the tombstone but also the type of monument commemorating their loved one. Some families commissioned genuine works of art in memory of their relatives. If the cemetery interests you, why not take advantage of the guided tours run by AGEC.
Information about the guided tours of the cemetery
The guided tours are free of charge and are normally run in the afternoon. They last for a couple of hours and are followed by a concert in the pantheon.
For bookings, call 045 8051311
or email comunicazione@agec.it
You can also find out more information about forthcoming events on the AGEC website or via the above phone number or email address. These are great opportunities to learn about art and history, don’t pass them up!