Tomba Anastasi

Tomba Anastasi Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide in Genoa

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Tomba Anastasi and the Staglieno Cemetery

Tomba Anastasi stands as a striking example of Genoa’s rich artistic and cultural legacy, located within the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno. This cemetery, recognized as one of Europe’s most extraordinary open-air museums, is famed for its grand funerary art, blending neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and symbolic styles that reflect the social evolution of 19th- and early 20th-century Genoa (Ancient Origins; Visit Genoa).

This guide provides a detailed overview of Tomba Anastasi’s historical and artistic significance, practical visitor information—including hours, tickets, accessibility, and transportation—and highlights nearby historical attractions, ensuring a memorable and respectful visit to this Genoese landmark (European Cemeteries Route).

Historical Background: Genoa and Staglieno Cemetery
Artistic and Cultural Significance
Social and Religious Diversity at Staglieno
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
How to Get There and Navigating Staglieno
Guided Tours and Nearby Attractions
Local Genoese Culture
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Call to Action
Sources

Historical Background: Genoa and Staglieno Cemetery

19th-Century Genoa and the Rise of Staglieno

In the 19th century, Genoa was a flourishing port city, experiencing rapid expansion and modernization. The Napoleonic Edict of Saint-Cloud (1804) required cities to move burials outside urban centers, prompting Genoa to commission a new cemetery (Wikipedia; Ancient Origins).

Architect Carlo Barabino, later succeeded by Giovanni Battista Resasco, designed Staglieno Cemetery as both a necropolis and a monumental park. Officially opened in 1851, the cemetery continued to expand through the late 19th century (Bimbe in Viaggio).

Artistic and Cultural Significance

Staglieno as an Open-Air Museum

Staglieno Cemetery sprawls over 330,000 square meters and is celebrated for its exceptional funerary sculptures, chapels, and grand arcades. The Pantheon, inspired by the Roman original, anchors the site, surrounded by galleries adorned with hundreds of statues (Visit Genoa).

The cemetery’s art traces the evolution from neoclassicism to realism and Art Nouveau, with masterpieces that express themes of mourning, love, and remembrance. Notably, Tomba Anastasi exemplifies this shift, crafted in luminous Carrara marble with expressive realism and intricate symbolism (Lonely Planet).

Key Features of Tomba Anastasi

Material: Predominantly Carrara marble, renowned for purity and luminosity.
Sculptural Elements: Central figures such as angels or mourning women, detailed drapery, and lifelike anatomy.
Symbolism: Angelic forms (ascension and peace), draped garments (mortality), floral motifs (purity and transience), and books or scrolls (wisdom and legacy).
Artistic Context: Reflects late 19th-century trends toward realism and emotional depth, with Genoese families commissioning elaborate monuments as tributes and status symbols (Visit Genoa).

International Recognition

Staglieno’s artistry inspired cemeteries across Europe, including Paris’s Père Lachaise, and attracted illustrious visitors like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway, who called it “one of the wonders of the world” (Discover Genoa; Ancient Origins).

Staglieno reflects Genoa’s cosmopolitan character. Dedicated sections exist for English, Protestant, and Jewish burials, including the grave of Constance Lloyd (Oscar Wilde’s wife). The cemetery also commemorates key historical events such as the Risorgimento and the World Wars, with memorials like the Boschetto Irregolare and the Shrine to the Fallen of World War I (Bimbe in Viaggio; Visit Genoa).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Staglieno Cemetery & Tomba Anastasi

Hours: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Check the official website for seasonal adjustments and holiday closures.
Admission: Free. Donations are welcomed to support preservation.
Guided Tours: Thematic tours (art, history, notable monuments) are available and recommended; reserve in advance, especially during peak periods (official website).
Accessibility: Main avenues are wheelchair accessible, though some areas have uneven surfaces or stairs. Staff can recommend accessible routes.
Facilities: Restrooms, non-drinking water fountains, and a small cafeteria are located near the entrance. Printed and downloadable maps are available.

How to Get There and Navigating Staglieno

Location

Address: Piazzale Resasco, 16137 Genova GE, Italy.

Transportation

By Bus: Lines 13, 14, 34, and others stop at Brian 1/Tomba Mazzini and Resasco/Cimitero Staglieno. Real-time info via the Moovit app.
By Train: Regional line R (Sestri Levante) to Genova Brignole, then transfer by bus or taxi.
By Car: Take the Genoa East exit; limited parking is available.
By Funicular: Ponterotto station is a 14-minute walk away.

Staglieno is vast, with grand avenues and intricate paths. Obtain a map at the entrance or download one from the European Cemeteries Route website. Tomba Anastasi is near other notable tombs; staff can provide assistance.

Guided Tours and Nearby Attractions

Guided Tours

Art & History Tours: Local guides and organizations provide expert-led tours focusing on Staglieno’s art and symbolism, including Tomba Anastasi.
Special Events: Occasional cultural events and exhibitions—check the official calendar.

Nearby Genoa Historical Sites

Via Garibaldi & Palazzi dei Rolli: UNESCO-listed Renaissance palaces (True Italiani).
Porto Antico: Vibrant harbor with museums, restaurants, and the renowned Aquarium of Genoa (PlanetWare).
Genoa Cathedral (San Lorenzo): Gothic-Romanesque masterpiece with frescoes and relics.
Palazzo Ducale: Former Doge’s seat, now a prominent cultural center.
Boccadasse: Picturesque seaside village for local dining and relaxation (True Italiani).

Local Genoese Culture

Genoa is shaped by maritime tradition, a vibrant dialect, and a strong sense of community. Visitors are welcomed with warm hospitality. Local cuisine—pesto alla genovese, focaccia, and seafood—is best enjoyed in neighborhood trattorias. The city’s calendar is filled with festivals like the multicultural Suq Festival and traditional processions (Italy by Events).

Tips:

Italian is widely spoken; English is common in tourist areas.
Public transport is efficient, especially for navigating Genoa’s hilly landscape.
Respectful dress and conduct are appreciated at historic and religious sites.
Genoa is generally safe; use standard precautions in busy areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Staglieno Cemetery and Tomba Anastasi?
A: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM; check official sources for seasonal or holiday updates.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Admission is free. Guided tours may incur a fee.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages. Reserve ahead during peak times.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Yes, but be respectful of the cemetery’s active status and mourners.

Q: Is the site accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A: Main avenues are accessible; consult staff for specific routes.

Q: How do I get to Staglieno by public transport?
A: Multiple bus lines serve the area; see Moovit app for real-time directions.

Summary and Call to Action

Tomba Anastasi, set within the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno, is a masterpiece of funerary art, encapsulating Genoa’s artistic, social, and historical richness. The cemetery’s diverse sections, grand monuments, and evocative symbolism offer a profound cultural experience. With accessible visiting hours, free admission, and enriching guided tours, Staglieno is a must-see for anyone exploring Genoa.

Enhance your visit by downloading the Audiala app for guided tours, maps, and event updates. Explore more on Genoa’s historical sites via our website, and follow us on social media for the latest travel inspiration and tips.