Italy

An Open Air Museum: Visit the Monumental Cemetery in Milan, Italy

An Open Air Museum: Visit the Monumental Cemetery in Milan, Italy

One of my favorite things to do in Milan, Italy is to visit the Monumental Cemetery. It is like walking through an open air museum in the center of the city. The expansive site (it’s about 62 acres in total!) should be on your list of must-see places in Milan. Not only is it a unique historical site, but the art and sculptures are captivating as well.

The Monumental Cemetery makes my list for one of my favorite hidden gems in Milan. Check out the full post here: My Favorite Hidden Gems in Milan, Italy.

Arriving at the Cemetery

It’s very easy to visit the Monumental Cemetery as it right in the center of Milan. Located at Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, 20154 Milano MI, you can arrive by foot, subway, tram, or bus.

I suggest either walking or utilizing the M5 subway, the Purple Line. After your visit, you can wander over to nearby Chinatown for lunch.

Entry is free. The cemetery is open every day (except Mondays) from 8:30am – 5:30pm. Be mindful that while it is beautiful, it is still a cemetery, so be respectful as you walk through the property. Otherwise you risk being haunted for the rest of your life.

Famous Tombs

During your visit to the Monumental Cemetery, you’ll be in awe of the jaw-dropping sculptures, statues, mausoleums, and shrines.

Don’t be surprised; you’re walking amongst the resting place for some of Milan’s rich and famous. Throughout the cemetery you can actually find signage with directions to the most famous graves. You’ll find mayors, musicians, artists, and athletes.

My favorite tomb is the Campari Family’s. The name sound familiar? Davide Campari is the inventor of the famous Milan aperitif, Campari. The tombstone has a life-size replica of The Last Supper.

Pay your respects by enjoying a Campari drink after. Read about Where to Drink Campari like a Local in Milan.

Ok, look at the tombstone on the above right. A little Vespa is on top! At the risk of sounding a bit morbid, that may just be my dream tombstone.

Above is also an example of one of the many elaborate family shrines. Some have tiny chapels inside or even detailed paintings or sculptures in the family’s honor.

While you’ll find many Milan superstars wandering through the outdoor portion of the cemetery, before you leave walk through the Famedio near the entrance. Locals refer to this as the Monumental Cemetery’s Hall of Fame! It feels like the interior of a cathedral.

The Galleries

Don’t be surprised if you find people reading or simply mindlessly taking a stroll amongst the tombs. The atmosphere here doesn’t feel sad. In fact, it feels quite peaceful. It’s the perfect spot to take a stroll and ease your mind.

During your visit to the Monumental Cemetery make sure you also walk along the perimeter. You’ll be able to walk through the various galleries.

Jewish Section

Uniquely enough, despite being a Catholic cemetery, the Monumental Cemetery also has a Jewish section. This is another interesting section of the cemetery to pass through as well.

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