Grave Of Respighi Olivieri

Respighi Olivieri Grave Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Bologna Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled within the Certosa di Bologna Cemetery, the Grave of Respighi Olivieri stands as a powerful symbol of Italy’s musical and cultural legacy. This guide provides detailed, up-to-date information for visitors, including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, directions, and tips for exploring both the grave and the broader historical site. Alongside practical advice, you’ll find rich historical context about composer Ottorino Respighi and his wife Elsa Olivieri-Sangiacomo, as well as the artistic and architectural significance of Certosa di Bologna. Whether you are a music enthusiast, cultural traveler, or history buff, this article ensures you have all the resources for a respectful and meaningful visit (Certosa di Bologna Official Site, Bologna Welcome, Musica Insieme Bologna).

Certosa di Bologna: Historical and Cultural Overview

Origins and Evolution

Founded in 1334 as a Carthusian monastery, Certosa di Bologna was transformed into a monumental cemetery in 1801 following Napoleonic reforms. It became one of Italy’s first secular burial grounds, open to all citizens, and reflects the city’s evolving approach to commemoration and urban planning (Certosa di Bologna Official Site). Over the 19th and 20th centuries, Certosa expanded with new cloisters, galleries, and family mausoleums, and is now celebrated for its blend of neoclassical, Art Nouveau (Liberty), and modernist funerary art (bologna-experience.eu; storiaememoriadibologna.it).

Literary figures such as Lord Byron and Charles Dickens visited and wrote about the cemetery, which continues to inspire visitors with its architecture and the stories of those buried within.

Artistic Highlights

Certosa di Bologna is often described as an “open-air museum.” It features:

Pantheon of Illustrious Citizens (Sala del Commiato): Honoring Bologna’s most prominent figures.
Third Cloister: Renowned for painted tombs, marble, and bronze works.
Cloister of the Caduti della Grande Guerra: Dedicated to World War I fallen.
Catacombs Room: Once monastic cellars, now housing steles, busts, and graves.
Jewish and Anglican Sections: Reflecting Bologna’s diverse history.

Sculptors such as Pelagio Palagi and Diego Sarti contributed to the cemetery’s remarkable artistic heritage (bologna-experience.eu).

Respighi Olivieri: Life, Legacy, and Commemoration

Ottorino Respighi

Born in Bologna in 1879, Ottorino Respighi achieved renown as a composer, especially for his “Roman Trilogy” and other orchestral works that blended Italian historical and folk influences with lush, modern orchestration. His studies in Bologna and with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in Russia shaped a unique musical voice that made a lasting mark on 20th-century classical music.

Elsa Olivieri-Sangiacomo Respighi

Elsa Olivieri-Sangiacomo (1894–1996), Respighi’s wife, was a distinguished mezzo-soprano and composer in her own right. She married Respighi in 1919 and, after his death, became the foremost guardian of his musical legacy, editing and promoting his works for decades.

The Respighi Olivieri Grave

After Respighi’s death in 1936, his remains were transferred to Bologna in 1937, where he was interred in Certosa di Bologna near other luminaries, including Nobel laureate Giosuè Carducci. Elsa was later laid to rest beside him. Their shared grave, modest yet dignified, is a site of homage for musicians and admirers from around the world (Find a Grave).

Visiting Respighi Olivieri’s Grave: Essential Information

Location and How to Get There

Address: Via della Certosa, 18, 40133 Bologna, Italy.
Public Transport: Bus lines 14, 21, 25, 27, and 61 serve the “Stadio” or “Certosa” stops, a short walk from the entrance (tastebologna.net).
By Foot: A 30–40 minute walk from Piazza Maggiore through the city’s UNESCO-listed porticoes.
By Car: Parking is limited; public transport is recommended.

Finding the Grave

Upon entering, head toward the Carducci Area—Giosuè Carducci’s hedge-surrounded tomb is an easy landmark. Respighi Olivieri’s grave is immediately to its right, marked by a simple inscription. Cemetery maps are available at the entrance or online (wikidata.org).

Opening Hours

March 1 – November 2: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
November 3 – February 28: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Holidays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (December 24, 26, 31, and January 1)

Always check the official site or Bologna Welcome for updates, especially around public holidays.

Admission and Tickets

Entry to Certosa di Bologna is free for individual visitors. Guided tours (available in Italian and, upon request, English) may require advance booking and a fee (bolognaservizicimiteriali.it).

Visitor Experience and Practical Tips

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: The main entrance and major paths are wheelchair accessible, but some historic sections have uneven surfaces. An accessible route is available; contact administration for assistance (bolognawelcome.com).
Facilities: Restrooms and water fountains are near the entrance. Signage is primarily in Italian; maps and some brochures are available in English.
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons offer tranquility and optimal lighting for photography. Weekdays are less crowded.

Etiquette

Maintain a respectful demeanor.
Photography is allowed for personal use, but avoid disturbing funerals or mourners.
Dress modestly and keep noise to a minimum.
Pets are not permitted.

Safety

The cemetery is generally safe during opening hours. Keep valuables secure and dial 112 in case of emergency.

Sustainable Tourism

Help preserve this heritage site by not littering, avoiding damage to monuments, and supporting guided tours and cultural events.

Events, Guided Tours, and Cultural Activity

Certosa di Bologna offers a range of cultural programming:

Festival Respighi Bologna: Annual concerts and lectures celebrating Respighi’s legacy (Musica Insieme Bologna).
European Week of Cemetery Discovery: Special tours, workshops, and performances.
Bologna Portici Festival: Cultural events utilizing the cemetery’s evocative spaces.
Themed Tours: Focus on art, music, or specific historical periods—book in advance (bolognaservizicimiteriali.it).

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

Stadio Renato Dall’Ara: Adjacent to the cemetery.
Portico della Certosa: UNESCO World Heritage-listed portico leading to the cemetery.
Museo Civico Archeologico, Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio: All easily accessible from Certosa (PlanetWare).
Quadrilatero Market District: Nearby area for sampling traditional Bolognese cuisine.
Giardino Giacomo Bulgarelli: Green space for relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an entrance fee?
Entry is free for individuals; guided tours may have a fee.

What are the opening hours?
March–November: 7:00 am–6:00 pm; November–February: 8:00 am–5:00 pm.

Are guided tours available in English?
Yes, upon request, especially during peak seasons.

Is the cemetery accessible for people with mobility issues?
Main paths are accessible, but some historic areas may be challenging. Contact administration for help.

Can I take photographs?
Yes, for personal use. Be respectful and avoid photographing private moments.

Enhance Your Visit

Audiala App: Download for audio guides, digital maps, and exclusive content.
Social Media: Follow Audiala for updates on events and exhibitions.
Virtual Tour: Explore an online tour of Certosa di Bologna when available.

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

A visit to the Grave of Respighi Olivieri in Certosa di Bologna weaves together music, history, and art within one of Italy’s most culturally rich cemeteries. The resting place of Ottorino Respighi and Elsa Olivieri-Sangiacomo stands as a tribute to their enduring contributions and to the artistic heritage of Bologna. With free admission, accessible hours, and a wealth of guided tours and events, this site offers a rewarding experience for all visitors. Use digital resources for navigation and context, and approach the site with respect to ensure its preservation for future generations (Certosa di Bologna Official Site, Bologna Welcome, Musica Insieme Bologna).