The Central Cemetery of Montevideo Photo Essay

“Show me the manner in which a nation or a community cares for its dead. I will measure exactly the sympathies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals.”William Ewart Gladstone

The Central Cemetery of Montevideo
The Central Cemetery of Montevideo

We visited the Central Cemetery of Montevideo (el Cementerio Central de Montevideo) on a sunny Saturday afternoon. It was almost entirely empty sans a small army of cats who were acting as self-appointed security guards following us around and… a rooster without a clear reason to be there except, perhaps, impersonating an alarm clock.

The main entrance to the cemetery
The main entrance to the cemetery

Founded in 1835, it was the first city necropolis during times when all funerals in Montevideo were conducted by the Catholic Church. Over years, it became the final resting place of many famous Uruguayans. The cemetery overlooks the water and from the Rambla’s level resembles remnants of a fortress. However, stepping through the gate leads to completely different scenery. The place is enchanting: beautiful sculptures, whimsical architecture, intricate metalwork and fairytale glasswork. The elaborate tombs with a backdrop of bright blue skies and exotic trees leave a powerful and memorable impression.

Leaving the entrance behind
Leaving the entrance behind

The Central Cemetery of Montevideo

The Central Cemetery of Montevideo

The Central Cemetery of Montevideo

The Central Cemetery of Montevideo

The Central Cemetery of Montevideo

The Central Cemetery of Montevideo

The Central Cemetery of Montevideo

The Central Cemetery of Montevideo
The Rotunda designed by Italian sculptor and architect Bernardo Poncini. The National Pantheon, located just below the Rotunda, is the resting place for famous Uruguayans, such as Eduardo Acevedo, Agustini, Juan Manuel Blanes, Jose E. Rodo, Juan Zorrilla de San Martin and many others.
The one of four Rotunda's entrances
The one of four Rotunda’s entrances
Rotunda's windows: amazing glasswork
Rotunda’s windows: amazing glasswork
Rotunda's windows: amazing glasswork
Rotunda’s windows: amazing glasswork
Rotunda's windows: amazing glasswork
Rotunda’s windows: amazing glasswork
La Piedad by Jose Livi
La Piedad by Jose Livi
A different twist on tomb art
A different twist on tomb art
Just looking at artwork helps identify time. This one was done in the 30s of last century
Just looking at artwork helps identify time. This one was done in the 30s of last century
An accidental pick inside the tomb
An accidental pick inside the tomb

IMG_1205

Luis Batlle Berres was the Uruguayan president from 1947 to 1951 and from 1955 to 1956
Luis Batlle Berres was the Uruguayan president from 1947 to 1951 and from 1955 to 1956
The tomb of Luis Batlle Berres
The tomb of Luis Batlle Berres
The tomb of Benito Nardone, the President of Uruguay (National Government Council) 1960 - 1961
The tomb of Benito Nardone, the President of Uruguay (National Government Council) 1960 – 1961
The tomb #386 (I could not fond any more info besides the number attached to the cross) stands out from the rest
The tomb #386 (I could not fond any more info besides the number attached to the cross) stands out from the rest
The left side of the #386
The left side of the #386
The right side of the #386
The right side of the #386
Speaking of cemetery cats
Speaking of cemetery cats
Some cats were willing to pose for pictures
Some cats were willing to pose for pictures
The rooster though did not allow to get closer
The rooster though did not allow to get closer

El Cementerio Central de Montevideo (The Central Cemetery of Montevideo)
Ing. Carlos María Morales
Montevideo
Uruguay

Open to public: all days from 10.00 to 16.00

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