Tomba Orsini

Tomba Orsini Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Information in Genoa

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled within Genoa’s monumental Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno, the Tomba Orsini stands as a striking testament to the city’s confluence of history, art, and cultural symbolism. Commissioned in 1906 by Countess Dattili Della Torre Orsini in memory of her father, Senator Tito Orsini, this funerary monument is not only a tribute to an influential figure of Genoese society but also a masterpiece of the Symbolist movement, reflecting the broader artistic innovation of late 19th- and early 20th-century Italy (staglieno.comune.genova.it).

This guide provides comprehensive information on the Tomba Orsini’s history, artistic significance, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and practical travel tips. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, historian, or traveler, this article will enhance your visit to one of Genoa’s most iconic monuments and its surrounding historic sites.

Historical Context

The Orsini Family: Legacy and Influence

The Orsini family, one of Italy’s oldest and most respected noble dynasties, traces its roots to at least the 10th century, with Ursus de Paro documented in Rome around 998 CE (21craynewschannel.wixsite.com). Their name, derived from “orso” (bear), became associated with strength and political authority (venere.it). Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Orsinis were influential in Rome and central Italy, holding high office in both secular and ecclesiastical spheres. Their cultural patronage and strategic alliances, highlighted by the elevation of Giacinto Orsini to Pope Celestine III in 1191, solidified their status and contributed to Italy’s artistic and social development.

Tito Orsini: The Man Behind the Monument

Tito Orsini, a distinguished senator and legal scholar, exemplified the Orsini tradition of civic engagement and intellectual achievement. His daughter’s decision to commission a monumental tomb in the prestigious Staglieno Cemetery echoed the family’s legacy of public commemoration through art and architecture (staglieno.comune.genova.it). The Tomba Orsini thus serves as both a personal memorial and a public statement of enduring family values.

Artistic and Symbolic Significance

Symbolist Art in Staglieno

The Tomba Orsini, designed by Leonardo Bistolfi, is a quintessential example of Symbolist funerary art. Bistolfi’s approach marked a departure from traditional depictions of death, embracing allegorical narratives and a refined symbolic language. The monument—also known as “La Croce” (The Cross)—features a sculptural group arranged around a central cross, with figures representing Thought, Filial Love, Youth, Childhood, Pain, Motherhood, Faith, and Work (symbolsproject.eu). This ensemble reflects a shift in Italian memorial art, from purely religious themes to broader expressions of societal ideals and individual virtues.

Bistolfi’s innovations, seen in both the Orsini and Bauer tombs, influenced Ligurian sculptors and helped establish Staglieno as a leading site for Symbolist and Art Nouveau funerary sculpture (staglieno.comune.genova.it).

Artistic Features

Material and Technique: The tomb’s figures are carved from luminous Carrara marble, renowned for its quality and suitability for fine detail.
Composition: Bistolfi’s arrangement draws the viewer’s gaze upward, creating a sense of aspiration and spiritual transcendence.
Allegorical Imagery: Each figure embodies a virtue, encouraging contemplation on human experience, memory, and the meaning of loss.

The Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno: Setting and Significance

Location and Layout

Staglieno Cemetery, inaugurated in 1851, is one of Europe’s largest and most artistically significant cemeteries. Set on a hillside in the Staglieno district, it covers over 330,000 square meters and features terraced sectors, grand porticoes, and open-air galleries (Wikipedia). The cemetery’s design emphasizes symmetry and monumental grandeur, softened by lush landscaping and panoramic views over Genoa.

Cultural and Artistic Importance

Staglieno is renowned as an open-air museum, boasting funerary art spanning Neoclassicism, Symbolism, and Art Nouveau. The Tomba Orsini, alongside other masterpieces, reflects the evolution of Italian sculpture and the city’s civic pride (visitgenoa.it PDF). The cemetery also serves as the final resting place for notable figures such as Giuseppe Mazzini and Constance Lloyd Wilde, attracting visitors from around the world.

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Opening Hours

Staglieno Cemetery is open daily, with general hours as follows:

April to September: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
October to March: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Seasonal variations and public holiday changes may apply. Always check the official website or municipal site for the latest updates.

Admission

Entry: Free for all visitors.
Guided Tours: Available for a fee; recommended for deeper insights into the Tomba Orsini and other artworks. Book in advance, especially during cultural events.

Accessibility

Paths: Main routes are paved and suitable for most visitors; some sectors, including areas near the Tomba Orsini, may have stairs or uneven terrain.
Mobility Assistance: Visitors with special needs should consult the visitor center at the entrance for accessible routes and assistance.

Visitor Experience

Navigating the Cemetery

Obtain a map at the entrance or download a digital version from the official site.
The Tomba Orsini is signposted in monumental sections such as the “Galleria delle Statue.” Staff can assist with directions.
Guided tours, often in English and Italian, are available from the Genoa tourism office.

Practical Tips

Dress Code: Wear respectful attire; cover shoulders and knees.
Facilities: Restrooms and vending machines are near the main entrance. No cafés inside, but eateries are available nearby.
Photography: Permitted for personal use; avoid flash and respect ongoing ceremonies.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.

Safety and Etiquette

Stay on marked paths, maintain quiet, and secure personal belongings.
Large groups (over 10) should notify the cemetery administration in advance.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring other Genoa highlights:

Palazzi dei Rolli: UNESCO-listed Renaissance and Baroque palaces.
Cathedral of San Lorenzo: The city’s medieval cathedral.
Galleria d’Arte Moderna: Modern art museum at Villa Saluzzo Serra.
Historic City Center: Medieval alleys, cafés, and vibrant piazzas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Tomba Orsini’s visiting hours?
A: The cemetery is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April–September) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (October–March).

Q: Is there a fee to visit?
A: Entry is free. Guided tours require a paid ticket.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, book in advance through the Genoa tourism office.

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Main paths are accessible; some areas may be challenging. Check with staff for accessible routes.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but be respectful and avoid photographing ceremonies.

Plan Your Visit

Check official sources for up-to-date hours and events: Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa Tourism.
Book guided tours for an enriched experience.
Download the Audiala app for interactive guides and digital maps.

Summary and Visit Tips

The Tomba Orsini is a highlight of Genoa’s Staglieno Cemetery, merging the city’s artistic heritage with the legacy of the Orsini family. Combining Symbolist sculpture, historical depth, and accessible visitor services, it remains a vital cultural treasure. Plan your visit to experience this masterwork and explore Genoa’s broader historical landscape—with the Tomba Orsini as your starting point (staglieno.comune.genova.it; symbolsproject.eu; visitgenoa.it PDF).