A vast 19th-century open-air gallery of marble funerary sculpture on a hillside, where Giuseppe Mazzini is buried.
Staglieno Monumental Cemetery sits on a hillside in the Staglieno district of northeast Genoa, in Liguria, Italy, with its entrance at Piazzale Giovanni Battista Resasco 1. Opened in the 19th century, it was designed as a grand city of the dead and became one of Europe's best-known open-air galleries of funerary sculpture. Visitors come as much for the art as for the history, and entry is free.
The site is organised around a neoclassical porticoed gallery and a large central chapel, with monuments climbing the slopes behind. The marble sculpture is the main attraction: realistic portraits of bourgeois Genoese families, weeping figures, elaborate drapery and scenes that show a remarkable technical skill in rendering lace, fabric and expression. The Mazzini monument marks the burial place of Giuseppe Mazzini, the Risorgimento figure. The paths climb through terraces with further monuments, cypress avenues and views over the valley, so the visit involves real walking on slopes and steps.
A thorough visit takes two to three hours. The infopoint in Piazzale Resasco provides maps and can be reached at +39 010 5576470. The cemetery is generally open daily from about 7:30AM to 5:00PM, with admission until 30 minutes before closing, and Sunday Mass is held at 10:00AM, when visitors should be respectful of services. Opening times can be confirmed at staglieno.comune.genova.it. City buses run from Genova Brignole station; sources list several lines, so the current one should be checked at amt.genova.it.
The cemetery is a working place of remembrance, so quiet behaviour and modest dress are expected. Mornings in dry weather give the best light on the marble and the most comfortable walking. Crowds are small for most of the year, but late October to 2 November sees heavy traffic from families visiting graves around All Saints and All Souls, with altered bus service.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, about 7:30AM to 5:00PM (admission until 30 minutes before closing); Sunday Mass at 10:00AM. Confirm at staglieno.comune.genova.it |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Morning, in dry weather; wear comfortable shoes for slopes and steps |
| Getting there | City bus from Genova Brignole station (sources list lines 12, 14, 34 and 48; confirm the current line at amt.genova.it) |
| Address | Piazzale Giovanni Battista Resasco 1, 16137 Genoa GE, Italy |
Location
Piazzale Giovanni Battista Resasco 1, 16137 Genoa GE, Italy
44.4324, 8.9483 View on map
Highlights
- Realistic 19th-century marble funerary sculpture in the porticoed galleries
- Monument and burial place of Giuseppe Mazzini
- Terraced hillside paths with cypress avenues and valley views
- Free admission and a map from the infopoint in Piazzale Resasco
Tips for visiting
- The infopoint in Piazzale Resasco gives maps; tel. +39 010 5576470
- Late October to 2 November brings heavy visitor traffic and altered bus service
When to visit
Morning in dry weather. Avoid late October to 2 November if quiet is wanted.
Accessibility
The cemetery has long slopes, steps and uneven paths; the lower galleries are easier on foot, while the upper terraces are difficult for wheelchair users. Ask at the infopoint on +39 010 5576470 about accessible routes.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Staglieno take?
Two to three hours covers the main galleries and the hillside terraces. A shorter visit is possible if only the lower galleries are seen.
Is Staglieno cemetery free?
Yes, admission is free for adults and children. Visitors should check the closing time, as entry stops 30 minutes before closing.
Is photography allowed at Staglieno?
Photography of the monuments is generally tolerated for personal use, but visitors should avoid photographing mourners and services, and check signs at the entrance.