Discover the program of events taking place in Bologna Metropolitan Area during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026.
In the Bologna Metropolitan Area, there are five cemeteries recognized as "monumental and historic cemeteries of Emilia-Romagna" under Regional Law 21/2022: the Certosa Monumental Cemetery of Bologna, the Piratello Cemetery of Imola, the Casaglia Cemetery of Marzabotto, the Medicina Cemetery, and the San Giovanni in Persiceto Cemetery.
During the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026, the Città Metropolitana di Bologna (Metropolitan City of Bologna) and Settore Musei Civici Bologna (Bologna Civic Museums Sector), for the hird consecutive year, are promoting a coordinated calendar of guided tours and initiatives dedicated to historical, artistic, and naturalistic itineraries in these locations.
Bologna - Certosa Monumental Cemetery
Friday, May 22 | 4:00 PM
In the Footsteps of Farinelli and His Family
Guided tour with Luigi Verdi exploring the memorial of Carlo Broschi, the legendary 18th-century singer known as Farinelli. The journey winds through silent cloisters to discover the tombs of his family members, weaving together art, music, and society from the 1700s to the present day. Inspired by the 2026 publication "Famiglie del Farinelli e loro dimore". Organized by: Museo Civico del Risorgimento with Associazione Amici della Certosa. Booking: Recommended at prenotazionicertosa@gmail.com. Admission: Free.
Saturday, May 23 | 3:00 PM
Truth or Lies?
Guided tour with Roberto Martorelli. Inspired by the writings of Basile Joseph Ducos (1819-1820), this walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site questions whether the virtuous inscriptions on tombstones always tell the truth. Organized by: Museo Civico del Risorgimento with Associazione Amici della Certosa. Booking: Mandatory at prenotazionicertosa@gmail.com (confirmation email required). Admission: €10.00 / €8.00 for Card Cultura holders (cash preferred).
Sunday, May 24 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Musical Weaves in Certosa
An independent tour where monuments are paired with ancient and modern songs. Visitors are encouraged to bring a smartphone and headphones to listen to tracks suggested by a mediator. A special guide sheet will be provided at the Infopoint to help you create your own "Certosa playlist". Organized by: MIA (Innovative and Open Museums) for Museo Civico del Risorgimento. Departure: Historical-Artistic Info Point, via della Certosa 18. Admission: Free.
Sunday, May 24 | 10:30 AM
Underground Certosa: An Unusual Journey
Discover the least-known areas of the cemetery, including mysterious galleries, cold underground tunnels, and hidden cloisters. The tour includes the tragic story of Radio, a young submariner, and a look at modern artworks hidden from the hurried visitor. Organized by: Mirarte. Booking: Mandatory at mirartecoop.it. Admission: €14.00 full / €10.00 reduced (children 6-12, people with disabilities).
Monday, May 25 | 4:00 PM
Biographical Visit to Bologna’s Greatest Monument
Guided tour with Mauro Felicori (founder and former president of ASCE) and Roberto Martorelli. The tour traces the complex's rebirth since 1999 and its recent recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Organized by: Associazione Amici della Certosa with Museo Civico del Risorgimento. Booking: Mandatory at amicidellacertosa@gmail.com. Admission: Free.
Tuesday, May 26 | 7:00 PM
NEPHESH | Protecting the Shadow
An immersive sonic walk through the cemetery using headphones. This poetic journey by Alessandro Renda explores the connection between the living and the dead. Organized by: Ravenna Teatro in collaboration with perAspera Festival. Booking: Mandatory pre-sale at www.ravennateatro.com/nephesh-certosa/. Admission: €18.00.
Thursday, May 28 | 6:00 PM
Certosa T900: Memory and Guardianship
A meeting with Mauro Felicori discussing a collective study project on 20th-century tombs. The project involves photographers, volunteers, and students to preserve the city's memory for the future. Organized by: Associazione Amici della Certosa with Museo Civico del Risorgimento. Booking: Mandatory at amicidellacertosa@gmail.com. Admission: Free.
Thursday, May 28 | 9:00 PM
Certosa: Nature and Death
A guided walk through the 19th-century garden of memory, exploring the botany and symbolism of death. Guided by biologist Francesco Nigro, this tour reveals the vibrant "urban nature" hidden within the city of the dead. Meeting Point: Via della Certosa 22 (Italian Military Monument). Organized by: Associazione Vitruvio. Booking: Mandatory at associazione.vitruvio@gmail.com or +39 329 3659446. Admission: €12.00 (Comfortable shoes and a flashlight/smartphone are recommended).
Saturday, May 30 | 10:30 AM
A Sunset of Joyful Notes – Bolognese Arts of the late 1700s
A walk with Roberto Martorelli through the UNESCO cloisters to discover the sculptors, painters, and composers who lived during the transition from Baroque to Neoclassical culture. Organized by: Museo Civico del Risorgimento with Associazione Amici della Certosa. Booking: Mandatory at prenotazionicertosa@gmail.com (confirmation email required). Admission: €10.00 / €8.00 for Card Cultura holders (cash preferred).
Saturday, May 30 | 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Adore the Stars that Never Fade – Napoleon and Murat in Bologna
A grand historical reenactment featuring the meeting of Emperor Napoleon and the King of Naples. The event includes historical groups and a special guest, Prince Joachim Murat, heir to the Prince. Afternoon Session (3:30 PM): Meet at Ingresso Piangoloni; includes a tour and photo shoot at the Pantheon.
Evening Session (7:30 PM): Meet at Ingresso Piangoloni; arrival of Napoleon and Murat followed by group tours of historical stops.
Booking: Mandatory via Eventbrite. Admission: Free.
Sunday, May 31 | 3:30 PM
The Certosa of Bologna: An Open Book on History
An "ABC" tour for first-time visitors, covering everything from the Etruscan necropolis to the monastery and the modern cemetery. Visit the tombs of famous figures like Lucio Dalla, Giosue Carducci, and Alfieri Maserati. Organized by: Mirarte. Booking: Mandatory at mirartecoop.it/eventi/. Admission: €14.00 full / €10.00 reduced.
Theater Workshop: Souls on Stage
May 28 – September 25, 2026
A sensory theater workshop held within the cemetery itself. Led by actress Luisa Vitali and director Luca Ghelfi, the course uses the statues and epitaphs as inspiration for vocal and physical expression. Schedule: Generally on Thursdays after closing (sunset or night); approx. 2 hours per session. Cost: €100 for a minimum of 4 sessions. Meeting Point: Italian Military Monument, via della Certosa 22. Info/Booking: luisa.vitali@rimacheride.it (WhatsApp only) at +39 335 6820121.
Exhibition Walks in Certosa
From Neoclassicism to Liberty in Funerary Monuments May 22 – June 7, 2026 | Chiostro dell’Ossaia / delle Madonne A photographic exhibition by Artecittà-APS documenting a century of funerary art, from Neoclassical motifs to the Art Nouveau revolution.
Visiting Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Free Guided Tours: May 23 (10:30 AM), May 24 (4:00 PM), May 29 (10:30 AM), May 31 (10:30 AM). Booking for Tours: Mandatory at info@bolognartecitta.it or +39 333 6917884 (WhatsApp only).
Medicina - Medicina Cemetery
Sunday, May 24 | 10:30 AM | Guided TourPaths of Memories from Medicina
A walk from the Municipal Library to the Historical Cemetery to discover the figures who contributed to the history of their community. During the tour, participants will receive a copy of the cemetery guide, produced thanks to Regional Law 21/2022. Organized by: Municipality of Medicina with Area Blu and the Museo del Risorgimento di Bologna. Meeting Point: Entrance of the Library, via Pillio 1, Medicina. Admission: Free with reservation at +39 0516979209 or serviziculturali@comune.medicina.bo.it.
Wednesday, May 27 | 9:30 PM | Guided TourFaces, Stories, and Words from the City of Medicina
A nocturnal walk to rediscover the present through the forms of the past. Rice weeders (mondine), teachers, and artisans who lived through and documented the long period from Italian Unification to the birth of the Republic. During the tour, the cemetery guide (Regional Law 21/2022) will be distributed. Note: Bring a flashlight or use your smartphone light; comfortable shoes are recommended. Organized by: Municipality of Medicina with Area Blu and the Museo del Risorgimento di Bologna. Meeting Point: 15 minutes before the start at the entrance of the Historical Cemetery, via della Resistenza 322. Admission: Free with reservation at +39 0516979209 or serviziculturali@comune.medicina.bo.it.
San Giovanni in Persiceto - San Giovanni in Persiceto Cemetery
Sunday, May 24 | 4:00 PM | Guided Tour
To Say, To Do, To Teach
With the birth of the new Kingdom of Italy, a gradual effort to improve literacy across the nation began, establishing a minimum requirement for compulsory schooling—initially for two years, and later extended to three. The transfer of knowledge became a way to shape independent and supportive citizens, and an opportunity to "leave a positive mark" on younger generations by nurturing their dreams and vocations. Education was seen as a bridge between people and cultures. Walking through the courtyards and porticoes of the Historical Monumental Cemetery, we will discover the stories of teachers and mentors who made Persiceto famous in the fields of music, science, literature, and medicine. Meeting Point: In front of the entrance of the Historical Monumental Cemetery (Circonvallazione Vittorio Veneto, 24). Admission: * Full: €12.00 / Reduced (Ages 14-18): €7.00 / Children under 14: Free Booking: Mandatory. Information & Reservations: IAT-R PIANURA BOLOGNESE - Tourist Information Office Phone & WhatsApp: +39 348 731 8029 Email: cultura.turismo@comunepersiceto.it