
Visiting Tomba Di Negro, Genoa: Tickets, Hours, and Essential Tips
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction: Discover Genoa’s Aristocratic Heritage
The Tomba Di Negro, nestled within the renowned Staglieno Cemetery in Genoa, Italy, is an extraordinary testament to the city’s noble lineage, 19th-century artistry, and cultural revival. This mausoleum, dedicated to Marquis Giovanni Carlo Di Negro and his family, not only commemorates a prominent Genoese dynasty but also embodies the city’s historical and artistic evolution. For travelers, historians, and art aficionados, a visit to the Tomba Di Negro offers an immersive journey through Genoa’s political, cultural, and architectural heritage (Visit Genoa).
Historical Background: The Legacy of the Di Negro Family
The Di Negro family’s roots stretch back to the 11th century, marking them as one of Genoa’s most influential aristocratic houses. Over centuries, family members served as consuls, senators, ambassadors, and even as Doge of Genoa, significantly shaping the Republic’s political and cultural landscape. Marquis Giovanni Carlo Di Negro (1769–1857), the tomb’s most celebrated occupant, was a philanthropist, botanist, poet, and key patron of the arts, closely connected to the Italian Risorgimento. His villa, Villetta Di Negro, became a vital cultural salon hosting intellectuals like Lord Byron, Stendhal, and Niccolò Paganini (Bimbe in Viaggio).
The Tomba Di Negro: Artistry and Symbolism
Architectural and Artistic Features
The Tomba Di Negro stands out as a masterwork of 19th-century funerary art within Staglieno Cemetery—an open-air museum celebrated across Europe. Designed by Carlo Rubatto, one of the cemetery’s earliest sculptors, the tomb features a full-figure portrait of Di Negro and a sarcophagus adorned with symbols of intellectual achievement: lyres, laurel wreaths, and books. The bas-relief of Abraham welcoming the three angels symbolizes hospitality and reflects Di Negro’s reputation for generosity (Staglieno official site).
Crafted mainly from white Carrara marble, the tomb’s neoclassical style is enriched by allegorical figures and botanical motifs, celebrating Di Negro’s passion for botany and literature. Its realistic portraiture and allegories of virtues like Charity and Faith echo the cemetery’s overarching artistic trends, blending personal legacy with public commemoration.
Visiting Tomba Di Negro: Hours, Tickets, and Practical Information
Location and Getting There
- Address: Piazzale Resasco, 16137 Genoa, Italy (Staglieno Cemetery)
- Public Transport: Reachable via bus lines 34, 48, and 480 from Genoa’s city center; taxi and limited parking also available.
- Main Entrance: Clearly signposted and accessible from central Genoa (Moovit app).
Opening Hours and Admission
- Hours: Open daily, typically from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (holiday hours may differ; check before visiting)
- Admission: Free for individual visitors; guided tours may require a fee (Visit Genoa)
Guided Tours
Several guided tours—offered in Italian and sometimes English—cover the Tomba Di Negro as part of broader Staglieno itineraries. These tours provide deeper insight into the cemetery’s art and history and can be booked via the Genoa tourist office or on-site.
Accessibility
While the cemetery’s main avenues are generally accessible, many paths are cobblestoned and uneven. Wheelchair users and those with limited mobility should consult the cemetery office for accessible routes (Savoring Italy).
Facilities
- Restrooms: Available near the entrance.
- Refreshments: A small café is located at the entrance; bring water and snacks for longer visits.
- Maps: Obtainable at the entrance or downloadable from the official website.
Photography and Conduct
Photography for personal use is permitted. Out of respect for the site’s solemnity, keep noise to a minimum, avoid touching monuments, and be especially discreet during funerals or maintenance work.
Enhancing Your Visit: Tips and Nearby Attractions
Visitor Tips
- Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for uneven terrain.
- Weather: Prepare for Genoa’s temperate but changeable climate; bring sun protection or rain gear as needed.
- Time: Allocate at least two hours to explore Staglieno’s main sectors and the Tomba Di Negro.
Nearby Attractions
- Villetta Di Negro Park: Former residence of Di Negro, now a romantic park and home to the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art (Guida di Genova).
- Palazzi dei Rolli and Via Garibaldi: UNESCO-listed palaces in the city center.
- Porto Antico and Piazza De Ferrari: Genoa’s bustling urban heart and revitalized old port area.
- Local Cuisine: Enjoy Genoese specialties like focaccia and pesto in nearby cafés (Visit Genoa).
Special Events
Occasionally, Staglieno hosts themed tours and cultural events. Check the Staglieno Comune website or tourist offices for current schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the Tomba Di Negro visiting hours?
A: Staglieno is open daily, usually from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (holiday hours may vary).
Q: Do I need a ticket to visit?
A: General admission is free; guided tours may require tickets.
Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Some tours are offered in English; check with the tourist office for availability.
Q: Is the site accessible for people with limited mobility?
A: Main avenues are accessible, but some areas have steps and cobblestones; contact the cemetery office in advance for assistance.
Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, for personal use. Professional equipment may require special permission.
Cultural Insights and Legacy
The Tomba Di Negro is more than a grave—it is a symbol of Genoa’s intellectual and artistic renaissance in the 19th century. The Di Negro family’s contributions to politics, culture, and science are reflected in both the tomb’s design and the cultural landscape surrounding it. The adjacent Villetta Di Negro park, hosting the Edoardo Chiossone Museum, complements the narrative of Genoa’s transformation into a vibrant cosmopolitan center (Symbols Project).
Plan Your Visit: Essential Recommendations
- Download or pick up a self-guided tour booklet for context and navigation (Staglieno official site).
- Respect local customs and maintain a quiet, reverent demeanor.
- Combine your visit with Genoa’s other historical sites for a rich, multi-faceted experience.
- Check for updates on events or changes in visiting hours before your trip.
For comprehensive travel planning and exclusive content, consider downloading the Audiala app, and stay updated by following local channels and social media.
Visual Resources and Further Information
For virtual tours, interactive maps, and high-quality images of the Tomba Di Negro and Staglieno Cemetery, visit the official Staglieno website.
Conclusion: Experience Genoa’s Noble Heritage
The Tomba Di Negro is a distinguished emblem of Genoa’s aristocratic history, artistic achievement, and cultural vitality. Its setting within the monumental Staglieno Cemetery provides a profound encounter with the city’s legacy—an experience that resonates beyond art and architecture, connecting visitors to the enduring spirit of Genoa. Plan your visit thoughtfully, explore nearby attractions, and immerse yourself in this unique chapter of Italian history.
Sources and Further Reading
- AR-Tour: Tomb Di Negro
- Visit Genoa – Tomba Di Negro
- Visit Genoa – Staglieno Cemetery
- Staglieno Official Site – Tomba Di Negro
- Bimbe in Viaggio – Villetta Di Negro and Staglieno Cemetery
- Lonely Planet – First Time Guide to Genoa
- Staglieno Cemetery Guide, PDF
- Guida di Genova – Villetta Di Negro
- Symbols Project – Tomba Di Negro
- Savoring Italy – Genoa Travel Guide
- Moovit app – Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno