ITALIAN CEMETERIES

Although I'm familiar with mausoleums, when you say the word "cemetery" to me, I think of large expanses of open land dotted with a variety of headstones. The headstones range from the simplest of bronze plaques and white crosses to elaborate monuments that make the cemetary seem like a sculpture garden. Although I am NOT a cemetery person, when I have visited them in the states I've found them to be peaceful quiet places, perfect for a walk or drive even if you're not visiting a gravesite.

I know there are American-style cemeteries in Italy where soldiers from WWll are buried, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Here in Umbria we see small cemeteries everywhere...small walled areas, usually surrounded by cypress trees. The caskets are interred into family mausoleums that look like little churches.....





Inside are family pictures, fresh flowers and religious objects......



If the family hasn't built their own mausoleum they're interred in a large wall...



and I'd dare to say that 99% of the sites have pictures and fresh flowers.....



I recognized many family names while visiting the San Venanzo cemetery. Not surprisingly I also found it to be a very peaceful place....