Tomba Rolla

GenoaItaly 44° N · 8° E

Genoa, often celebrated as “La Superba,” is a city steeped in history, maritime prowess, and a vibrant industrial past that has shaped much of its cultural…

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Tomba Rolla Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Genoa Historical Sites Guide

Tomba Rolla and Staglieno Cemetery

Genoa, known as “La Superba,” is distinguished by its maritime legacy, industrial achievements, art, and architecture. The Tomba Rolla, in the Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno, is a family tomb associated with the influential Rolla family, major figures in Genoa’s textile industry. It reflects the city’s transformation during the 19th and 20th centuries and is part of a cemetery renowned for its funerary art and architecture (AR-Tour; Visit Genoa PDF).

Staglieno Cemetery was inaugurated in 1851 and is celebrated as an open-air museum of Genoa’s social history and funerary art (Atlas Obscura; Discover Genoa; Visit Genoa).

History

Genoa’s prominence as “La Superba” grew from its strategic position on the Ligurian coast. It served as a maritime republic and later became an industrial powerhouse. During the 19th century, rapid industrialization made shipbuilding, steelworks, and textiles central to the city’s economy. The Rolla family became prominent in the textile sector, operating several cotton mills in Voltri and Val Polcevera (World History Journal).

The Rolla surname has roots in northern Italy, with possible ties to medieval personal names or regional toponyms (Surname Origin Info). By the 1940s, the family had become key industrialists in Genoa, contributing to the city’s post-war recovery and joining the bourgeois elite. Their influence is remembered in both the city’s economic history and the artistic legacy of their family tomb (AR-Tour).

What to see

The Tomba Rolla

The Tomba Rolla features a reclining female figure atop a sarcophagus decorated with floral motifs. A winged hourglass represents the passage of time, while an owl represents wisdom and the afterlife. The motifs are rendered in white Carrara marble and reflect the artistic and spiritual aspirations of Genoa’s elite during the 19th and early 20th centuries (AR-Tour; The Tourist Checklist).

The tomb exemplifies Realist sculpture, with figures shown in contemporary dress and expressive poses. Detailed drapery, facial expressions, and symbolic objects evoke a connection between the living and the dead (Atlas Obscura).

Other motifs found in the tomb’s iconography include angels and mourning figures, associated with sorrow and spiritual guidance; laurel wreaths, symbolizing immortality and victory over death; and the winged hourglass and owl, representing time and wisdom (Symbol Sage). Carved Carrara marble and the work of Genoese ateliers demonstrate the technical mastery of the cemetery’s funerary art.

Sculptures and notable tombs

Staglieno is known for lifelike funerary sculptures by artists including Vincenzo Vela, Giulio Monteverde, and Francesco Vignali (Laboratorio Musica e Arte). Notable monuments and tombs include:

  • Giuseppe Mazzini Italian unification leader.
  • Fabrizio De André Beloved singer-songwriter.
  • Constance Mary Lloyd Wilde Oscar Wilde’s wife.
  • Appiani Family Tomb Featured on Joy Division’s “Closer” album.
  • Raggio Chapel A miniature Gothic cathedral in marble.

Practical visiting information

Hours and tickets

Staglieno Cemetery is generally open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM. Hours are reduced on certain holidays, including major holidays, and special closures may apply. Check the latest schedule (Visit Genoa PDF).

Admission is free. Guided tours cost about €5; fees support restoration efforts (Discover Genoa).

Getting there

The cemetery is at Piazzale Resasco, Genoa. Buses 13, 14, and 34 serve it from major train stations and city centers. Parking is available but limited; public transport is recommended.

Accessibility and amenities

Most main pathways and monuments are wheelchair-accessible, though some older or upper sections may present challenges. The internal CS line shuttle assists with mobility within the cemetery (Bimbe in Viaggio).

Restrooms, non-drinking water fountains, and a small café are available near the entrance. Maps and assistance are available at the infopoint.

Guided tours

Guided tours depart from the main entrance and last around 90 minutes. Thematic routes focusing on Romanticism or Art Nouveau are also available (Viaggiamo). Tours can be arranged through the infopoint or local agencies.

Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones.
  • Photography for personal use is allowed, but do not use flash or tripods.
  • The cemetery is an active burial place; keep conduct quiet and respectful.
  • Pets are restricted except for guide dogs.
  • Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds (Leeks Travel).
  • Visiting early or late in the day can offer a serene atmosphere.

Nearby places: Genoa’s Rolli Palaces

The Palazzi dei Rolli were grand residences of Genoa’s aristocracy, entered in an official register, the “Rolli,” for hosting state guests. Located primarily along Via Garibaldi and nearby streets in the historic center, they represent Genoa’s Renaissance and Baroque architecture and are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Tursi are highlights of the Strada Nuova Museums. Palaces operating as museums offer restrooms, gift shops, and cloakrooms. Accessibility varies by palace; check each palace’s website for details.

AMT buses, the metro, and funiculars connect the area (Visit Genoa – Public Transport). Combined Strada Nuova Museums tickets cost around €9, with discounts and free entry for children under 6 (Visit Genoa – Museums).

Rolli Days take place twice a year, in spring and autumn, and offer free or reduced entry to palaces usually closed to the public (Discover Genoa – Rolli Days). Guided tours are available for €10–20 and can be booked through the tourist office.

Spring and autumn, especially during Rolli Days, are useful times to visit. Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen in summer, and dress respectfully. The area is safe by day; at night, stick to well-lit main streets (Italy Heaven – Genoa Old Town).

Frequently Asked Questions

Staglieno Cemetery and Tomba Rolla

  • What are the opening hours? Generally 7:30 AM–5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM and reduced hours on holidays.
  • How much is admission? Entry is free; guided tours cost about €5.
  • Is the cemetery accessible? Main areas are wheelchair-accessible; ask about the internal shuttle.
  • Is photography allowed? Personal photography is allowed without flash or tripods.
  • Are guided tours available? Yes, through the infopoint or local agencies.

Rolli Palaces

  • What are the opening hours? Hours vary by palace. The main museums are open Tuesday–Friday 9:00–19:00 and weekends 10:00–19:30.
  • How much are tickets? Combined tickets cost around €9, with discounts and free entry for children under 6. Rolli Days may offer free or reduced entry.
  • Are guided tours available? Yes, in several languages; tours cost €10–20 and can be booked through the tourist office.
  • Are the palaces accessible? Accessibility varies; check with individual palaces.
  • When are Rolli Days? They are held twice yearly; check official sites for dates.