Cemetery history
The Pinti Cemetery is one of the oldest monumental cemeteries in Florence. It belongs to the Venerable Brotherhood of Misericordia of Florence, which, since its medieval foundation, has been devoted to acts of solidarity – above all, ensuring proper burial for all the deceased.
For centuries, following the customs of the time, members of the Brotherhood buried the dead in and around churches or alongside the city walls. In the eighteenth century, however, Pietro Leopoldo of Lorraine introduced new regulations requiring cemeteries to be located outside inhabited areas. In compliance with these laws, the Misericordia acquired a suitable plot outside the city walls, where the cemetery was established. Today, this area is fully integrated into the city.
Construction and architecture
The cemetery was officially inaugurated in 1839 with the burial of its first deceased. It features an oratory and a semicircular portico composed of a colonnade designed to symbolically embrace visitors.
The original design was created by engineer Paolo Veraci, later continued by Gaetano Baccani. In 1878, engineer Angelo Maiorfi was commissioned to complete the complex. His additions included two lateral wings and a new Neoclassical entrance, adorned with angel statues sculpted by Odoardo Fantacchiotti.
Important Personalities
During its 60 years of active use (1839–1898), a period that included Florence’s time as the capital of Italy, Pinti Cemetery became the final resting place of many prominent figures.
Among those buried here are:
- Emilio De Fabris, designer of the façade of Florence Cathedral
- Michele Rapisardi, painter
- Pietro Dazzi, painter and founder of the Scuole del Popolo
- Carlo Strozzi, marquis, historian, and archaeologist
- Massimiliano Giarrè, humanist and patriot
- Teodulo Mabellini, musician
- Cesare Guasti, archivist at the Opera del Duomo
- Silvestro Leopardi, senator of the Kingdom of Italy
- Vincenzo Batelli, editor and typographer
- Giuseppe Barellai, pediatrician and founder of children’s summer camps
- Giovanni Baldasseroni, politician
Closure and present-day use
In 1898, the Brotherhood decided to close the Pinti Cemetery and open a larger burial ground better suited to the needs of a growing city. Since then, the cemetery has remained accessible primarily to those wishing to visit and honor their loved ones.
In recent years, guided tours have been introduced, allowing visitors to explore this historic site and discover its cultural and architectural heritage.
Cemetery address
Via degli Artisti 250132 Firenze
Italy