Tomba Ferrando Roggero: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Genoa, Italy
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
Set on the picturesque hillsides of Genoa, the Tomba Ferrando Roggero is a distinguished monument within the renowned Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno. Celebrated for its grand funerary art, Staglieno is one of Europe’s largest and most historically significant cemeteries, offering visitors a unique blend of neoclassical architecture, naturalistic landscaping, and an open-air museum experience. The Tomba Ferrando Roggero, crafted in 1913 by the eminent sculptor Edoardo De Albertis, stands out as a testament to the civic pride, artistic mastery, and social history of Genoa’s bourgeoisie.
This guide provides essential information for planning a visit, including up-to-date opening hours, ticketing details, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions. It also delves into the cultural and artistic context of the tomb, highlighting its significance within Genoa’s broader heritage. Whether you’re an art aficionado, history enthusiast, or a cultural traveler, this resource will help you make the most of your experience at Staglieno Cemetery and the Tomba Ferrando Roggero.
For the latest updates and authoritative details, consult the official Staglieno Cemetery website and the Genoa tourism portal. Additional insights can be found through curated guides like Travelling King and ReteGenova.
Table of Contents
- Historical Context: Staglieno Cemetery and Genoa’s Heritage
- The Tomba Ferrando Roggero: Artistry and Symbolism
- Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Tours
- Accessibility and Facilities
- How to Get There & Travel Tips
- Notable Monuments and Thematic Itineraries
- Nearby Attractions in Genoa
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Summary and Planning Tips
- References
Historical Context: Staglieno Cemetery and Genoa’s Heritage
The Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno (Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno) was established in 1851, following the Napoleonic Edict of Saint-Cloud, which required burials to move outside city centers. Designed by architect Carlo Barabino and completed by Giovanni Battista Resasco, the cemetery quickly became a model for monumental cemeteries throughout Europe, spanning over 330,000 square meters.
Staglieno is renowned for its collection of funerary sculptures by leading artists such as Lorenzo Orengo, Santo Varni, Giulio Monteverde, and Edoardo De Albertis. Its architecture blends neoclassical forms with romantic landscaping, reflecting the prosperity and cosmopolitan spirit of 19th-century Genoa (Wikipedia - Cimitero monumentale di Staglieno).
The Tomba Ferrando Roggero: Artistry and Symbolism
Situated within Staglieno’s semicircular porticoes, the Tomba Ferrando Roggero was created in 1913 by Edoardo De Albertis, a prominent Genoese sculptor. The monument features a poignant female figure rendered in a style that bridges allegory and realism—a hallmark of early 20th-century funerary art.
Key artistic features:
- Lifelike Portraiture: Realistic representation of the deceased enhances the personal narrative.
- Allegorical Elements: Figures and symbols such as angels, laurel wreaths, and books evoke themes of memory, virtue, and civic pride.
- Emotive Realism: The expressive composition invites reflection on life, death, and remembrance.
The tomb exemplifies the cemetery’s tradition of commemorating Genoa’s prominent families and their values through emotive and individualized sculpture (ReteGenova).
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Tours
Opening Hours:
- Daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
- Closed or reduced hours on December 25, Easter Sunday, and select public holidays (check the official website for updates).
Admission:
- Entry is free for individual visitors.
Guided Tours:
- The City of Genoa organizes regular guided tours (approx. 1.5 hours, starting at the statue of Faith near the main entrance).
- Tours are available at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 3:00 PM.
- Tickets can be purchased at Tourist Information Offices or directly from the guide; advance booking is not typically required.
Maps and Self-Guided Visits:
- Free maps are available at the entrance.
- The Genoa tourist office offers booklets with suggested walking routes.
Accessibility and Facilities
- Accessibility: Main avenues are paved and wheelchair-accessible, but some older sections have steps and uneven paths.
- Facilities: Restrooms and water fountains are available near the entrance.
- Café: A small cafeteria is located near the main gate; vending machines and nearby cafés outside the cemetery provide refreshments.
- Pets: Allowed only on the first non-holiday Wednesday or Thursday of each month (except November). Guide dogs are always permitted.
How to Get There & Travel Tips
- Address: Piazzale Resasco, 16137 Genoa, Italy.
- By Public Transport:
- From Brignole station: Bus lines 13 or 14 stop directly at the cemetery.
- From Principe station: Take bus line 34.
- By Car: Use the Genoa East highway exit; free parking is available near the entrance, but can be limited on weekends.
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for a peaceful experience and optimal photography lighting.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, sun protection or an umbrella, and a camera (non-commercial photography is allowed).
Notable Monuments and Thematic Itineraries
In addition to the Tomba Ferrando Roggero, Staglieno features remarkable tombs such as the Oneto family’s angel by Giulio Monteverde, the tombs of Giuseppe Mazzini and Constance Wilde, and the Appiani tomb (famously featured by Joy Division). Thematic itineraries include:
- Realismo Borghese al Liberty: Explore the shift from 19th-century realism to Art Nouveau.
- Risorgimento Heroes: Graves of Italian unification figures.
- Multicultural Genoa: Sections for Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Orthodox traditions.
Nearby Attractions in Genoa
- Via Garibaldi: Lined with Renaissance and Baroque palaces (ItalyBest).
- Palazzo Ducale: Historic palace hosting major exhibitions.
- Piazza De Ferrari: Main square and cultural hub.
- Genoa Maritime Museum: Interactive exhibits on the city’s seafaring history.
- Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi: Scenic seaside promenade.
- Boccadasse: Picturesque fishing village.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM); check for holiday exceptions.
Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, entry is free. Guided tours may require a fee.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, they can be booked at the entrance or through the tourist office.
Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Main routes are accessible; some areas may be difficult due to steps.
Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Non-commercial photography is allowed; be respectful due to the cemetery’s active status.
Summary and Planning Tips
References
- Official Staglieno Cemetery website
- Genoa Tourism Portal
- Travelling King
- ReteGenova
- Wikipedia – Cimitero monumentale di Staglieno
- ItalyBest
- Lonely Planet
- PlanetWare
- That Travelista
