Sicilian monumental cemeteries, an eternal silence of art and memory
The Sicilian monumental cemeteries represent an invaluable heritage, deserving of rediscovery and appreciation. Beyond their artistic value, they are places of profound emotional impact, capable of narrating the history of a community, evoking respect for the deceased, and imparting to future generations the importance of remembrance and memory. These are spaces where art becomes a vehicle of eternity, and beauty intertwines with sanctity, offering visitors a unique experience marked by silence, contemplation, and wonder. This November, Sicilian Secrets invites you on a silent journey to admire the artistic beauty and mystical atmosphere of 5 of Sicily’s most iconic monumental cemeteries.
In collective imagination, cemeteries are places of reflection, memory, and reverence. In Sicily, however, some cemeteries transcend their primary function, becoming true open-air works of art, rich in stories, traditions, and symbols that recount the history of the island and its people. With their architectural splendor and sculptural details, Sicilian monumental cemeteries form a unique cultural heritage where the veneration of the dead blends with art, history, and local traditions.
In Sicily, the concept of cemeteries as spaces of art and memory has deep roots tied to religious sentiment and the cult of the dead, which has shaped the island since antiquity. From Greek and Roman traditions to Christianity, the island has preserved a reverence for the deceased, celebrating it not only in private but also through grand public monuments. Thus, Sicilian monumental cemeteries are not merely burial grounds but spaces where the local perception of life and death has been immortalized. Eternally.
Cemetery of Sant’Orsola, Palermo
One of Sicily’s oldest and most emblematic cemeteries is the Cemetery of Saint Orsola in Palermo. Established in 1783 by the viceroy Domenico Caracciolo, this site holds immense historical significance, housing the tombs of numerous prominent figures from the city, such as painter Francesco Lojacono, sculptor Mario Rutelli, and writer Luigi Natoli. Here, you’ll find exquisite sculptural works featuring neoclassical, Gothic, and even eclectic styles. Among the most notable graves was that of Giovanni Falcone, the judge and anti-mafia icon, whose remains rested here until 2015 before being transferred to San Domenico Church.
Beyond its sculptural masterpieces, the Cemetery of Saint Orsola offers several historical insights: from the chapels of noble families to simple marble headstones, every corner tells a story. Palermo’s noble families often erected grand funerary monuments here, entrusting their memory to renowned artists who endowed the cemetery with remarkable artistic significance. Among these, notable examples include the Raccuglia Tomb, designed by architect Ernesto Basile, as well as the Guarnaschelli Chapel and the Monument to the Fallen of 1848 and 1860, created by Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda.
Monumental Cemetery, Catania
Inaugurated in 1859, Catania’s Monumental Cemetery on Via Acquicella stands as another major example of funerary architecture. Reflecting the neoclassical style of the era, it features grand monuments and elegant chapels. Among its most famous tombs is that of composer Vincenzo Bellini, whose remains were later moved to Catania’s Cathedral. The cemetery remains a resting place for many other distinguished individuals, such as writer Giovanni Verga, dramatist Vitaliano Brancati and writer Federico De Roberto, the author of ‘I Viceré’.
Family chapels here are true mausoleums adorned with intricate decorations. An example is the Sollima family’s chapel, originally topped by the biga of Morgantina, a bronze sculpture stolen in 2017 and recovered a year later. Despite its name – for the curious! – this statue is not an archaeological artifact from Morgantina but rather a pastiche created by sculptor Francesco Antonio Franzoni in 1788. Could it have been this ambiguity that misled the thieves?
Monumental Cemetery, Messina
The Gran Camposanto in Messina ranks among the most striking cemeteries in Italy and one of the most important in Europe. Built in 1854, it showcases a blend of neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Gothic architecture, enriched by lush gardens. Conceived as an outdoor gallery of modern and contemporary art, its crowning feature is the Cenobio – a Gothic-style church located in the upper section of the cemetery. The Gran Camposanto is also a poignant witness to the city’s tragedies, including the devastating 1908 earthquake. Its tombstones honor notable figures such as actor Adolfo Celi, patriot Giuseppe La Farina, and poet Vann’Antò.
An important section of this famedio is occupied by the English Cemetery of the city. This non-Catholic burial ground features funerary monuments of prominent 19th-century figures from Messina, including the notable tombs of banker Federico Grill and philanthropist Giovanni Walser.
Monumental Cemetery of the Angels, Caltanissetta
We are now in one of the most evocative and historically rich locations in Caltanissetta. This serene and historically rich cemetery, inaugurated in the late 19th century, is perched on a clay hill overlooking the Hymera valley near the Byzantine-era Pietrarossa Castle. More than a burial ground, it serves as an open-air museum narrating the city’s social evolution. The Testasecca family chapel, adorned with a Madonna sculpted by local artist Tripisciano, is a standout feature. Other chapels designed by architects Pasquale Saetta and Alfonso Barbera add to the cemetery’s grandeur.
German Military Cemetery, Motta Sant’Anastasia
Our journey concludes at a distinctive site: the German Military Cemetery in Motta Sant’Anastasia, in the province of Catania. Since 1965, it has been the resting place for German soldiers who fell in Sicily during World War II, and and since 2011, the cemetery has enjoyed a new lease of life thanks to a complete restoration. At the entrance, after ascending a staircase, visitors arrive at the Kameradengrab courtyard, where a plaque lists the names of 31 soldiers buried here. The space also features a highly expressive and emotive bronze statue depicting a dying man. Moving further, visitors encounter four additional courtyards, each housing the graves of fallen soldiers divided by province: the Palermo Courtyard, Catania Courtyard, Messina Courtyard, and Caltanissetta Courtyard.
