Tomba Schmidt

Tomba Schmidt Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Genoa’s Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Tomba Schmidt and Its Significance in Genoa

Set amidst the renowned Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno, Tomba Schmidt stands as a masterpiece of 19th-century funerary art and a symbol of Genoa’s rich cultural heritage. Staglieno Cemetery is not merely a burial ground but an expansive open-air museum, displaying a vast array of sculptures that chronicle the evolution of Italian artistic movements—Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, and early Modernism. Established during Genoa’s urban transformation in the mid-1800s, the cemetery reflects the city’s societal changes and artistic ambitions during a pivotal period in Italian history (Staglieno Cemetery in Genoa: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Highlights).

The Tomba Schmidt was commissioned by the influential Schmidt banking family and crafted by Giovanni Scanzi, a sculptor celebrated for his emotive realism and technical mastery. The monument’s luminous Carrara marble figures—portraying themes of mourning, resurrection, and hope—embody the spiritual and artistic ideals of the era (Tomba Schmidt in Genoa: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Artistic Significance).

This guide provides a detailed overview of Tomba Schmidt’s artistic and historical context, practical visitor information, and tips to enhance your experience. Whether you are passionate about art, history, or travel, this resource will help you explore the evocative landscape of Staglieno Cemetery while appreciating one of its most iconic monuments (Tomba Schmidt Visiting Hours, Tickets & Guide to Genoa’s Historic Staglieno Cemetery).

Historical Context: Staglieno Cemetery and 19th-Century Genoa

The Evolution of Genoa in the 19th Century

In the 1800s, Genoa underwent significant urban and social transformation. Following its integration into the Kingdom of Sardinia and, eventually, unified Italy, the city experienced rapid industrial growth and urban expansion. Napoleon’s Edict of Saint-Cloud, which banned burials within city walls, led to the creation of monumental cemeteries like Staglieno, reflecting new attitudes toward commemoration and public health (Staglieno Cemetery in Genoa: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Highlights).

The Genesis of Staglieno Cemetery

The cemetery’s design originated with architect Carlo Barabino in 1835 and was later completed by his pupil Giovanni Battista Resasco after Barabino’s untimely death. Staglieno’s layout combines Neoclassical symmetry with naturalistic elements, resulting in a harmonious and contemplative environment. Construction began in the 1840s, with the cemetery officially opening in 1851. By the late 19th century, it ranked among Europe’s largest and most artistically significant cemeteries (Ancient Origins).

Artistic and Cultural Significance

Sculptural Styles and Notable Artists

Staglieno is renowned for its diverse array of funerary sculptures. Notable artists—including Santo Varni, Giulio Monteverde, and Leonardo Bistolfi—created works that span Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Art Nouveau, and Symbolism. The cemetery features poignant depictions of sorrow, hope, and transcendence, with life-sized marble and bronze figures. Highlights include Monteverde’s “Angel of the Resurrection” and the monument to the peanut seller Caterina Campodonico (Lamialiguria; Ancient Origins).

Staglieno as a Reflection of Society

The cemetery’s grand family tombs mirror the ambitions of Genoa’s industrial and mercantile elite, while more modest graves narrate the lives of ordinary citizens. Staglieno also commemorates figures pivotal to Italy’s unification, including Giuseppe Mazzini and Michele Novaro. The British Cemetery section, designed by Louis de Soissons, reflects Genoa’s international connections, housing graves of British expatriates and Commonwealth servicemen (Staglieno Cemetery in Genoa: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Highlights).

Literary and Philosophical Inspiration

Staglieno’s evocative atmosphere has inspired notable writers and thinkers such as Nietzsche, Mark Twain, Guy de Maupassant, and Evelyn Waugh. The cemetery’s landscape—marked by winding paths, lush greenery, and dramatic light—embodies Romantic ideals of memory and the sublime (Ancient Origins; Staglieno Official Site).

The Pantheon and Thematic Sectors

A central Pantheon, inspired by Roman and Venetian models, is surrounded by monumental porticoes and terraced chapels. Staglieno is divided into seven sectors, each with distinct features and monuments. Thematic routes guide visitors through graves of notable Genoese, poignant love stories, and international figures such as Mary Constance Lloyd, wife of Oscar Wilde (Lamialiguria).

Tomba Schmidt: Artistic Features and Symbolism

Commission and Attribution

Tomba Schmidt was commissioned by the prominent Schmidt family at the end of the 19th century and executed by Giovanni Scanzi (1840–1915), a leading figure in Italian sculpture. Recognized for his technical skill and expressive realism, Scanzi’s work on Tomba Schmidt is often cited as his magnum opus (Tomba Schmidt in Genoa: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Artistic Significance).

Visual Description and Iconography

The monument is crafted from Carrara marble, featuring a central group with a serene young woman reclining on a funerary bed, attended by an angel and a mourner. The figures are rendered with anatomical precision and deep emotional resonance, embodying the Realist movement’s focus on naturalism. Christian themes of hope, the afterlife, and resurrection are evident, while personalized elements, such as the family crest, reinforce the monument’s dual role as memorial and status symbol (lonelyplanet.com).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility, and Etiquette

Visiting Hours

Staglieno Cemetery: Open daily, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Check the official site for holiday schedules.
Admission: Entry is free; no tickets required.

Guided Tours and Self-Guided Visits

Guided Tours: Offered in Italian and occasionally in English, providing in-depth context on art and history. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak seasons (Tourist Information and Reception Office).
Self-Guided: Maps are available at the entrance and online, allowing visitors to navigate the vast grounds and locate key monuments.

Accessibility

Paths: Main routes are paved and accessible to visitors with limited mobility; secondary paths can be uneven.
Assistance: Wheelchair users should inquire at the entrance for accessible routes; a small internal bus service (CS line) may assist with transportation within the grounds (Bimbe in Viaggio).

Etiquette and Photography

Dress Code: Modest attire is expected; cover shoulders and knees.
Photography: Permitted for non-commercial use. Tripods and drones require authorization.
Conduct: Maintain quiet and respectful behavior; do not touch or climb on monuments.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Duration: Allow 1.5–2 hours to explore Staglieno and Tomba Schmidt.
Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled and sloped paths.
Weather: The cemetery is outdoors—bring water, sun protection, and an umbrella if needed.
Language: Most signs are in Italian; some English panels are available. Consider a private guide for non-Italian speakers.
Safety: The area is generally safe; keep personal belongings secure.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

Genoa Historical Sites: Enhance your visit by exploring the city’s historic center, Palazzi dei Rolli (UNESCO), and the Galata Museo del Mare (tripsandleisure.com).
Facilities: Restrooms, benches, and shaded areas are near the entrance. Cafés and flower shops are available for refreshments and floral tributes.
Tourist Information: The main office is at Via Garibaldi 12R; staff provide maps and multilingual support (discovergenoa.com).

Preservation and Conservation

Staglieno’s sculptures face environmental challenges, including weathering and pollution. Ongoing conservation ensures the preservation of these unique artistic treasures. Visitors can support these efforts through donations and by respecting all site guidelines (Bimbe in Viaggio).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Tomba Schmidt visiting hours?
A: Daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). Holiday hours may vary.

Q: Is there an entrance fee for Tomba Schmidt?
A: No, entry to Staglieno Cemetery and Tomba Schmidt is free.

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Main paths are accessible; some secondary routes may be uneven.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, for personal use. Tripods and drones require permission.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Occasionally; advance booking is recommended.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Buses 34, 48, or 480 from Genova Brignole station stop near the entrance.

Enhance Your Visit

To make the most of your trip, download the Audiala app for guided audio tours of Tomba Schmidt and other Genoa sites. Check the official Genoa tourism website for current information, or visit local tourist offices for assistance.

Summary

Tomba Schmidt exemplifies Genoa’s artistic and cultural legacy as preserved within the monumental Staglieno Cemetery. As a key work of 19th-century funerary art, it reflects the broader narrative of Genoa’s historical and artistic evolution. With free entry, accessible paths, and a wealth of historical context, Staglieno Cemetery is a must-visit for anyone interested in Italian art, history, or culture. Plan your visit with available resources, respect the solemn setting, and consider exploring other Genoese landmarks to enrich your experience (Tomba Schmidt in Genoa: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Artistic Significance; Tomba Schmidt Visiting Hours, Tickets & Guide to Genoa’s Historic Staglieno Cemetery).