Tomb Of The Erba Family

Tomb of the Erba Family Genoa: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled within Genoa’s celebrated Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno, the Tomb of the Erba Family stands as an enduring symbol of Italian nobility and artistic achievement. The Erba family, whose origins trace back to Lombardy, are recognized for their significant contributions to the region’s culture and society (Heraldry Crests, Forebears.io). Their tomb, crafted from exquisite Carrara marble and adorned with evocative sculpture, reflects both their social prominence and the broader traditions of Genoese funerary art (Visit Genoa, Wikipedia).

This guide provides comprehensive information for visitors, including historical context, architectural highlights, visiting hours, ticketing policies, and accessibility. It also situates the Erba Family Tomb within the wider landscape of Staglieno Cemetery—a renowned open-air museum—and Genoa’s rich cultural heritage (lamialiguria.it, bimbeinviaggio.com, Visit Genoa PDF). Whether you are an art enthusiast, historian, or traveler, this guide will enrich your visit to one of Genoa’s most compelling sites (Villa Erba official site, ArchDaily).

Origins and Nobility of the Erba Family
Historical Development and Social Influence
Heraldry and Symbolism
The Erba Family Tomb: History and Cultural Context
Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno: Historical Background and Layout
Artistic Highlights and Notable Tombs
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Getting There
Visitor Services and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion: Legacy and Visitor Experience
References

Origins and Nobility of the Erba Family

The Erba family is recognized as one of Italy’s notable noble lineages, with roots primarily in Lombardy. The surname “Erba” is most concentrated in Lombardy (83%), with smaller populations in Sicily, Piedmont, France, and the United States (Forebears.io). Their noble status is well-documented in Italian genealogical references, such as Gofredo di Crollalanza’s “Dizionario storico-blasonico delle famiglie nobili e notabili italiane estinte e fiorenti,” which catalogs more than 18,000 families, including the Erba (Heraldry Crests).

Dating back centuries, the Erba family played a significant role in the social and economic fabric of northern Italy. As landowners, patrons, and civic leaders, their influence extended beyond Italy’s borders, with family branches settling in France and the United States, particularly during waves of Italian emigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (Forebears.io). The family remains a symbol of affluence and social prominence in contemporary Lombardy.

Heraldry and Symbolism

The Erba family’s coat of arms, preserved in heraldic archives, is a lasting emblem of their noble heritage. While specific designs may vary, these arms traditionally appeared on family estates, documents, and tombs, signifying aristocratic status (Heraldry Crests).

The Erba Family Tomb: History and Cultural Context

Situated along Staglieno Cemetery’s historic-artistic route, the Erba Family Tomb is both a personal memorial and a public statement of prestige. Genoa’s Staglieno Cemetery, inaugurated in 1851, reflects 19th-century reforms that moved burials outside city centers (Wikipedia, Visit Genoa PDF). The cemetery is renowned for its blend of Neoclassical, Symbolist, and Art Nouveau styles—a testament to the city’s artistic and architectural evolution (lamialiguria.it).

The Erba tomb typifies the funerary art favored by Genoa’s affluent bourgeoisie in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although the tomb’s sculptor and exact date are not documented, its expressive realism and architectural harmony exemplify the era’s style (Visit Genoa PDF, p. 11).

Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno: Historical Background and Layout

Staglieno Cemetery covers around 330,000 square meters, divided into various zones:

Pantheon: Central area housing graves of Italian Risorgimento leaders, symbolizing national unity (lamialiguria.it).
Boschetti and Valletta Pontasso: Wooded sections with chapels and romantic, vegetation-shrouded monuments.
English, Protestant, and Jewish Cemeteries: Dedicated sections reflecting Genoa’s cosmopolitan history, including the grave of Constance Lloyd, Oscar Wilde’s wife (bimbeinviaggio.com).

The cemetery is not only a burial ground but a vast open-air museum, with works by sculptors like Santo Varni, Giulio Monteverde, and Leonardo Bistolfi (Wikipedia).

Artistic Highlights and Notable Tombs

Genoa’s Staglieno Cemetery is renowned for its funerary art, from Neoclassical to Art Nouveau. Notable monuments include:

The Peanut Seller (Caterina Campodonico): A tribute to a humble street vendor, marked by a lifelike statue (lamialiguria.it).
Oneto Family Tomb: Renowned for its angel sculpture.
Graves of Influential Figures: Giuseppe Mazzini, Fabrizio De André, and others (lamialiguria.it).

The Erba Family Tomb, with its marble portico, sculptural angels, allegorical reliefs, and classical inscriptions, stands out as a prime example of Genoese funerary architecture (ArchDaily).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Opening Hours

General Hours: Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Exceptions: December 25 and Easter Day: 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; closed January 1 & 6, Angel Monday, June 24, August 15, and December 26. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (bimbeinviaggio.com).

Admission

Entry: Free for general visits.
Guided Tours: Typically require a ticket (about €5), supporting restoration. Tickets are available at Genoa tourist offices, the cemetery infopoint, or from onsite guides (discovergenoa.com).
Special Events: Occasional cultural events may require separate registration or tickets.

Accessibility

Terrain: Some uneven paths and stairs; paved routes and wheelchair access are available in certain areas.
Facilities: Toilets, non-drinking water fountains, and a small cafeteria near the entrance; baby backpacks recommended for young children.
Pets: Dogs allowed only on the first non-holiday Wednesday or Thursday of each month (except November); guide dogs permitted at all times.

Getting There

By Bus: Lines 13 and 14 from Brignole station, line 34 from Principe station, and a 10-minute bus ride from Piazza Corvetto (wheresbenbeen.com).
By Car: Exit at Genoa East; free parking lots nearby.
Internal Transport: Cemetery shuttle (CS – Cemetery Staglieno) with multiple stops; check schedules at the infopoint (bimbeinviaggio.com).

Visitor Services and Tips

Infopoint: Immediately right of the main entrance; open Mon, Wed, Fri (9 a.m.–3 p.m.), Tue, Thu (9 a.m.–1 p.m.).
Guided Tours: Highly recommended for navigating the vast site and understanding its art and history.
Photography: Allowed, but maintain respect for the solemn setting.
Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.
Nearby Attractions: After your visit, explore Palazzo Ducale, Genoa Cathedral, Via Garibaldi, and the Old Port.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit the Erba Family Tomb?
A: No, general entry to Staglieno Cemetery and the Erba Family Tomb is free. Guided tours require a ticket.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours are offered through local operators and the Genoa tourism office.

Q: Is the cemetery accessible for those with limited mobility?
A: Some paved paths are accessible, but the hillside terrain can be challenging. Contact the tourist office for specific advice.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Photography is permitted, but visitors should be respectful as the cemetery is active.

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: Early mornings or late afternoons provide quieter conditions and better lighting.

Conclusion: Legacy and Visitor Experience

The Tomb of the Erba Family at Staglieno Cemetery offers a unique window into Genoa’s aristocratic heritage, Italian funerary art, and societal values of the 19th and 20th centuries. Alongside other remarkable monuments, it enriches the narrative of Genoa’s evolution, blending memory, artistry, and cultural significance.

To make the most of your visit, check current hours, consider a guided tour, and use tools like the Audiala app for curated insights. Take time to explore Genoa’s other historical sites and enjoy the tranquil grandeur of Staglieno Cemetery.