A legacy of history and art in the cemeteries of Sitges and Vilanova i la Geltrú

October 2015.- On 25th October, in preparation for All Saints' Day, Àltima will once again organise two free guided tours of the cemeteries of Sant Sebastià in Sitges and Vilanova i la Geltrú, which both boast a rich historical and artistic legacy.

Both sites are of immense architectural value, reflecting the history of their municipalities and especially that of the 'indians' who lived there in the past. Also known as 'americanos', the indians were the wealthy people from Garraf who emigrated to America for business during the second half of the 19th century. Upon returning to Catalonia, they sought to display their power and wealth, one way being through the construction of monumental mausoleums and tombs that showcased their status.

These works of art, filled with funerary and mystical symbolism, were created by prestigious architects and sculptors, icons of Catalan modernism, such as Josep Llimona, Domènech Estapà, Manel Fuxà, and Frederic Marès, among others. They represent significant experiences that form a substantial part of the history of Vilanova and Sitges.

Both cemeteries are part of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), which recognises the valuable historical, cultural, and artistic heritage of these spaces. The Sitges cemetery is also included in the ASCE's European Cemeteries Route, marking a tourist path through the main European cemeteries.

Vilanova i la Geltrú and "The Artistic Soul of the Cemetery"

This guided tour will reveal the history of the capital of Garraf through the art and history of the tombs and mausoleums of the 'indians' located in the cemetery, which opened its doors in 1855. The tour of the stately graves of some of the most notable figures in politics, culture, or business buried here will unveil true works of art by architects such as Bonaventura Pollés and Domènech Estapà. Examples include the mausoleums of writers Víctor Balaguer and Manuel de Cabanyes, painter Joaquim Mir, and politician and businessman Francesc Gumà.

Sitges and the "Route of Souls"

The old cemetery of Sitges, located next to Sant Sebastià beach and inaugurated in 1814, although not large in size, contains a significant number of modernist graves by architects and sculptors such as Josep Llimona, Frederic Marès, Manuel Fuxà, Agapit Vallmitjana, Alexandre Mariotti, Josep Reynés, Joan Rebull, and Pere Jou. The tour will explore this artistic legacy, which includes the mausoleums and tombs of some of the most illustrious figures of Sitges.

Tour Information:

Date and time: Sunday, 25th October

Tour "The Artistic Soul of the Cemetery" at the Municipal Cemetery of Vilanova i la Geltrú, from 12:00 to 13:30.
Tour "Route of Souls" at the Municipal Cemetery of Sant Sebastià in Sitges, from 17:00 to 18:00.
Meeting point: main entrance of the cemeteries.

Addresses:

Municipal Cemetery of Vilanova i la Geltrú: Ctra. de Vilafranca s/n.
Municipal Cemetery of Sant Sebastià in Sitges: Av. Balmins s/n.
Price: Both tours are free. Attendance must be confirmed in advance at the following phone numbers:

"The Artistic Soul of the Cemetery" (Vilanova): 667 023 921 (ARC)
"Route of Souls" (Sitges): 619 793 199 (Agisitges)
In the case of Vilanova, places are limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration deadline is 24th October.