Laorca Cemetery
A natural amphitheatre of rock and devotion
Located just a short walk from the city centre, at the intersection of Via Parini and Viale Turati, the Monumental Cemetery of Lecco is a place of extraordinary beauty where silence meets art. Officially recognised as an “open-air museum” since 2009, it is part of the prestigious European Cemeteries Route promoted by the ASCE (Association of Significant Cemeteries of Europe), an international itinerary that highlights burial sites of significant historical and artistic value.
Architecture and Fine Sculpture
Inaugurated on 6 August 1882 based on a design by engineer Enrico Gattinoni, the complex features a striking entrance and a Famedio (Hall of Fame) in the Art Nouveau (Stile Liberty) style, added in 1901 by architect Cesare Mazzocchi. Walking along its orthogonal avenues, visitors can admire exquisite sculptures by internationally renowned artists such as Francesco Confalonieri, Giulio Branca, Giannino Castiglioni, and Pablo Atchugarry, whose works transform private chapels and graves into authentic masterpieces.
A Pantheon of Lecco’s Culture
The Monumental Cemetery serves as a true Pantheon of local culture, guarding the memory of illustrious figures who left a profound mark on Italian history and culture. Among its avenues lie the scientist and geologist Antonio Stoppani, the famous author of the poem Il Bel Paese, and the librettist Antonio Ghislanzoni, internationally known for writing the lyrics to Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida. Alongside them, the cemetery honours the Torri-Tarelli Brothers, Garibaldian volunteers who took part in the historic Expedition of the Thousand.
A visit to this site offers a fascinating journey into the identity of Lecco, immersed in the charm of Neo-Gothic porticos and the elegance of early 20th-century decorations.
Gallery
