Cimitero Monumentale in Milan, a real open-air museum

A guided tour of Milan’s Cimitero Monumentale, on a sunny afternoon or on a winter’s day, maybe even when night starts to fall! All times of the day are good to visit this spectacular open-air museum! The atmosphere is already there….disturbing and gloomy for some, strangely and inexplicably calm for others, surrounded by silence, kneeling figures in marble or bronze and monumental tombs of illustrious figures,  in a mystical and spiritual, almost magical, aura.

Historical figures and artists of international fame in the Cimitero Monumentale

The itinerary starts from the entrance, dominated by the Famedio, initially conceived as a church but then transformed as it was being built into the Pantheon of illustrious Milanese men and women; historical figures of Milan like Alessandro Manzoni or famous contemporaries such as Enzo Iannacci and Franca Rame now rest inside. We will be visiting a real “open-air museum” thanks to its artistic masterpieces, the work of the most important sculptors and architects of the past two centuries, from Antonio Canova to Arnaldo Pomodoro, from Ulisse Stacchini to Giò Ponti and Gae Aulenti. Mysteries, enigmas,  tombs and impressive sculptures that reveal curious handles to hold on to, to enter the underground crypts! Contrasts of perspective and effects of the light which make this very particular place very varied and lively.

Learning the history of Milan at the Monumentale

The guided tour of this open air museum also has the aim of illustrating how the Cimitero Monumentale in Milan is a concentrate of the artistic trends in our city from the unification of Italy to the present day: a fascinating journey through neo-classic architecture, Art Nouveau, late Romantic expressions and the neo-avant-gardes. A book of art that recounts pages of the history of Milan full of anecdotes and curiosities that enlivened the Sunday discussions of Milanese high society. They would meet in the shade of the tall trees to talk about the feats of the new “citizens” of this great city, made up of impressive mansions, gardens, paths and flower-beds. Browsing through the names engraved on the tombstones is like consulting a sort of Milanese Who’s Who, as being buried in the Monumentale was the confirmation of having reached economic stability and a high social status. Art merges with economic, social and religious history in the Cemetery. Our qualified guides will take you on an interesting and emotional tour, with an exciting treasure hunt in search of the strangest and most famous tombs. And if you see a mysterious shadow wandering furtively between the tombs, don’t be afraid…it’s the cat of the Monumentale ready to welcome you in exchange  for a few strokes!