Necrotourism is gaining popularity among travelers, and there are more and more tours and itineraries that include cemeteries due to their aesthetic value and the artistic quality of the burials. National Geographic has named the 10 most beautiful cemeteries in Spain. Brought to you by Tourism Review.
The San Amaro cemetery, located in A Coruña, is unique for being one of the few cemeteries in the world that is situated next to the sea. Experts describe it as having one of the most stunning views of the Atlantic. The cemetery boasts a collection of neoclassical jewels, Celtic symbolism, neo-Romanesque or Ionic temples, and modernist pantheons.
The renowned architect Coberos created a magnificent neo-Gothic mausoleum for the San Froilán cemetery in the 19th century. This mausoleum was awarded the title of the best funerary monument in Spain in 2015. The cemetery is considered a crucial spot for tourists on their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
The Carriona Municipal Cemetery in Avilés was established in 1890 and is one of the oldest cemeteries in Spain and in Asturias. It contains over 500 pantheons and mausoleums of varying styles, ranging from neoclassical to modernist, and even eclecticism and historicism. In 1993, it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest. An interpretation center offers guided tours and exhibitions on the cemetery's history and art.
The Ciriego Cemetery is located in Santander, known for its impressive sculptures and pantheons. It is also the most technologically advanced cemetery, as it allows visitors to view the monuments in 3D online and provides technology for self-guided tours.
The Bilbao Cemetery, established in the 19th century, is a repository of the city's memory. It is the final resting place of notable figures from literature, art, politics, and economics. The cemetery has been a witness to several significant historical events, including the executions of the Civil War and the floods of 1983. The architectural design and artwork within the cemetery have been recognized as an Asset of Cultural Interest since 2004.
The Polloe cemetery is a complex network of sculptures and funerary monuments. It was granted the status of Asset of Cultural Interest in 2004 and has been a part of the European Route of Significant Cemeteries since 2010. One of its distinguishing features is its elevated location, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Cantabrian Sea, in addition to its impressive pantheons and mausoleums.
The Lloret de Mar Cemetery was constructed between 1891 and 1901, and it serves as a repository for the memories of the inhabitants who lived at the end of the 19th century. Many emigrants returned from America with fortunes, and they hired the most renowned artists of the time to construct their pantheons and mausoleums. The cemetery is home to works by renowned architects and sculptors such as Puig i Cadafalch, Gallissà, Artigas, and Conill. The pantheons and mausoleums are designed with a neo-Gothic, symbolist, and decorative style, featuring an abundance of mosaics, reliefs, and gargoyles.
The Arenys de Mar Cemetery is situated in front of the sea, on the top of Cerro de la Piedad. It showcases the works of famous architects and sculptors such as Sagnier, Llimona, and Vallmitjana. Ornamentation, such as mosaics, reliefs, and gargoyles, can be seen on some pantheons. The cemetery is renowned for inspiring the poet Salvador Espriu, who dedicated his book "Cementiri de Sinera" to it. He recreates his childhood and his relationship with death in the book.
The Capuchin Cemetery in Mataró is a neoclassical complex that was constructed in the 19th century on the site of an old Capuchin convent. The cemetery houses the remains of several notable figures from the city, including Miquel Biada, credited with promoting the first railway in Spain. The cemetery serves as an open-air museum that chronicles 200 years of Mataró's history.
The Poble Nou Cemetery in Barcelona is a historic cemetery that was built outside the city walls during the 18th century. It is known for its unique neoclassical design that features Egyptian-inspired elements. The cemetery is divided into two sections: the original, designed by Italian architect Antonio Ginesi and the expanded section, where the pantheons of the bourgeoisie of 19th-century Barcelona are located. Visitors can admire several famous sculptures in the cemetery, including "The Kiss of Death" by Jaume Barba and the angel at the entrance, crafted by the Vallmitjana brothers' workshop.