Cemetery history
The history of Jesi Cemetery dates back to the late 18th century, even before Napoleon’s Edict of Saint-Cloud in 1804, which mandated burials outside city walls. As early as 1798, concerns were raised about the practice of burying the dead in churches, prompting plans to build a cemetery outside the town. A small clearing near the convent of the Reformed Friars Minor, known as the Selva degli Zoccolanti, was chosen as the site. Construction began in 1799 but was soon interrupted by various challenges.
Following the 1804 edict, the idea of an out-of-town cemetery regained momentum, and work resumed in 1813 amid many difficulties. The cemetery was then consecrated and opened in 1817. Church burials continued despite a police ban. A church adjacent to the cemetery, designed by architect Giovanni Grilli, was completed in 1818. Subsequent expansions were driven by the need to bury victims of recurring cholera epidemics.
Cemetery design
Over the decades, the original early 19th-century project was reworked several times, involving a series of architects. Notable among them were Giovanni Grilli and Ciriaco Santini, both of whom also left a mark on other parts of the town. In the 20th century, the most significant development occurred in 1984, when architect Leonardo Ricci, in collaboration with Silvano Rossini and Franco Luminari, won a national competition to extend the cemetery. Their vision included a square plan with a variety of burial types along the perimeter, a central grassy area, and a chapel connected by pathways, including elevated walkways.
The most striking feature of the modern extension is the concrete pyramid located at the highest point of the site. A prominent landmark, it offers sweeping views of Jesi and serves as a bold example of Brutalist architecture—one of the most notable in the Marche region.
Another important addition was the Famedio, constructed between 1924 and 1927 and inaugurated in 1928. This monument houses the remains of distinguished citizens and war heroes, commemorating those who fell in both World Wars and other martyrs of freedom.
Cemetery points of interest
Jesi Cemetery holds cultural and historical significance for both locals and visitors. Among the notable individuals buried here are Valeria Moriconi, a celebrated theatre actress; Corrado Olmi, an actor and set designer; and Edmondo Marcucci, a leading figure in Italian pacifism and co-founder of the Perugia–Assisi peace march.
The cemetery also reflects the social fabric of Jesi, with elaborate tombs of noble and industrial families symbolizing their heritage and legacy. The Colocci-Vespucci family tomb, which includes descendants of the famous navigator Amerigo Vespucci, is another point of interest, especially for international visitors.
As one of the earliest cemeteries in the Vallesina area, Jesi Cemetery is not only a place of rest but also a testament to centuries of architectural, social, and cultural evolution.
Cemetery address
Via Santa Lucia, 160035 Jesi
Italy
Basic data
Cemetery area: 5haApproximate number of graves: 32635
Approximate number of total yearly burials: 526