Comments on: Cimitero Staglieno: Cemetery or Museum?

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:05:18 +0000

This packrat has learned that what the next generation will value most is not what we owned, but the evidence of who we were and the tales of how we loved. In the end, it’s the family stories that are worth the storage.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:59:11 +0000

This cemetery has been on my “to do” list for a while now. Some day I will get there. And though it doesn’t get as much attention, Rome’s Verano Cemetery is incredibly beautiful and historic as well…

http://www.flickr.com/photos/triptorome2006/sets/72157622611798941/

By: Gian Banchero

Gian Banchero — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:25:00 +0000

I’ve spent much time at the cemetery, and, yes, it could be called a 19th century fine arts museum… These are not “true testaments to arrogance and pompous misunderstanding…” To see the cemetery is to see that much of it is a beautiful poetic testement to love, some of the inscriptions render the heart and bring on tears. Yes, a cemetery and yes also a dedication to beautiful eternal love as can be read on inscriptions at the base of many of the monuments or statues. Also, not all the “residents” were of the ruling class. Remember that there is no smoking and men must remove hats in Italian cemeteries.

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:50:15 +0000

I love the sculpture of the Angel with attitude.

By: Ian Zurzolo

Ian Zurzolo — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:31:44 +0000

I’m glad you liked the article, Gale!

I enjoyed the link you posted.

By: SallyM

SallyM — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:52:32 +0000

I NEVER KNEW SUCH A PLACE EXISTED. IT IS DEFINITELY ON MY “TO SEE” LIST
NEXT TRIP.THANK YOU GALE FOR THE WEBSITE TO LOOK AT.

By: D. Bianchi

D. Bianchi — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:19:08 +0000

Sorry, Mr. Phelan, but America has plenty of the “marble orchards,” true testaments to arrogance and pompous misunderstanding of one’s place in the world. But as the article states, the statuary and workmanship is entertaining, even if my smileis a rueful one.

By: Jan C

Jan C — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:44:36 +0000

Thanks for this article! Another entry for the list of places to see on my next trip to Italy. Also thanks to Gale for the link to the photos, they are amazing.

By: Garrett PHELAN

Garrett PHELAN — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:01:17 +0000

While visiting Prague in 2007 my wife and I spent an afternoon in the “National Cemetery”. There one will find astounding works of sculpture glorifying the departed. I think Gale is mostly correct in assuming that American cemeteries have nothing like it. Perhaps, and only perhaps, this is because of our intense feelings of American equality. In America it is in poor taste to glorify oneself or ones family, a value that didn’t exist in 18th or 19th century Europe? Not a critique. I love all things Europe and am proud to be of European descent. People migrate to Western Civilization, rarely do they leave.

By: Gale Iannone in CT, USA

Gale Iannone in CT, USA — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:37:54 +0000

I was amazed by this wonderful Note and was inspired to learn and see more about this cemetary. I Googled the name and found this website: http://www.flickr.com/places/Italy/Liguria/Genoa/San%20Sebastiano/?q=genova. It contains a photo gallery that you can scroll through with many, many images of the most exquisite statuary, memorializing the departed inhabitants. The incredible detail evokes many emotions. You will not find in the entire United States any cemetary that rivals the majesty and beauty of Stalieno in Genoa. Thank you Ian Zurzolo for sharing this treasure.