Cimitero Monumentale di Milano

In contrast to the restrained and modest New Zealand cemeteries, European, and especially Catholic cemeteries, are opulent and grand. In many respects this one in Milan is no exception. However, right from when this cemetery opened in 1866, the intention was that is was to be 'monumentale' like no other.  No shortage of space, the tombs are laid out on neat wide streets and my guess that those folk without the money for the spectacular were invited to be buried else where.

While there are endless weeping angels, tearful widows and sorrowing Christs, there are also many evocative and personal tombs. My favourite is the snakes of the head of Medusa wound around an aircraft propeller.