Ciriego cemetery will host three new guided tours over the weekend of 24 and 25 October, aimed at exploring the cultural heritage of this historic site. The tours will emphasise notable structures within the cemetery, the illustrious figures interred there, and the importance of preserving its funerary artistic heritage, allowing visitors to appreciate its architectural, sculptural, and decorative arts.
The guided tours will take place on both days, starting with 'An open-air museum' at 11:00. This panoramic visit will provide insights into the origins of modern cemeteries and will include stops at the graves of significant personalities from the city's recent history, such as Carmen Amaya, Rafael Rodríguez Rapún, José Estrañi, and Pío Muriedas.
On Saturday at 16:00, the 'Route of Memory' will explore figurative sculpture and unique iconography, including owls, hourglasses, poppy seed crowns, and representations of silence, which are characteristic of funerary language. Finally, on Sunday at 16:00, the 'Route of Sculpture' will delve into similar themes, highlighting the cemetery's artistic features.
Designed by municipal architect Casimiro Pérez de la Riva in 1881 and inaugurated on 3 September 1893, Ciriego cemetery is laid out in a cross shape, with a network of streets and alleys forming various blocks. Renowned architects contributed to its design, creating what De la Riva described as 'a precious museum of historical and artistic monuments'. Since 1991, the cemetery has been managed by Cementerio Jardín de Cantabria, S.A.
