Cimitero Monumentale di Milano (Monumental Cemetery), Milan (must see)

The Cimitero Monumentale ("Monumental Cemetery"), designed by Carlo Maciachini, is one of Milan's two largest cemeteries, along with the Cimitero Maggiore. It was created to unite small cemeteries spread throughout the city and provide a single location away from the densely populated central city area. Officially opened in 1866, it has since then been filled with a wide range of contemporary and classical Italian sculptures, Greek temples, elaborate obelisks, and other original works, such as a scaled-down version of Trajan's Column. Many of the tombs belong to notable industrialist dynasties.

The large Famedio, a massive Hall of Fame-like Neo-Medieval style building made of marble and stone, serves as the main entrance and contains the tombs of some of the city's and the country's most esteemed citizens, including that of novelist Alessandro Manzoni.

The Civico Mausoleo Palanti, designed by architect Mario Palanti, is a tomb built for the deserving citizens of Milan.

The memorial of about 800 Milanese killed in Nazi concentration camps is located in the center and is the work of the group BBPR, formed by leading exponents of Italian rationalist architecture that included Gianluigi Banfi.

Also featured is a special section for those who do not belong to the Catholic religion and a Jewish section.

An exhibition near the entrance showcases prints, photographs, and maps that trace the cemetery's historical development, including two battery-operated electric hearses built in the 1920s.

The sculptures and structures of the Monumental Cemetery showcase its artistic history from Realism and Eclecticism to Liberty and Symbolism, and into the contemporary age. In other words, nothing short of a real open-air museum that one should not miss!

Why You Should Visit:
Even if you're not big on cemeteries, this is something else and it's honestly impressive, as it features unique works by some of Milan's best sculptors and artists.
The cemetery's urban design resembles a city, as it is composed of rectangular blocks framed by streets and avenues that separate tombs instead of houses.

Tip:
Summer visitors: try to avoid wearing open-toed sandals as you'll be walking on gravel paths and thus will have to keep stopping and emptying your shoes!