Cementiri Sud-Oest

Cementiri Sud-Oest review Rate it

Designed by Leandro Albareda in 1880, this enormous necropolis sits at the side of the motorway, as a daily reminder to commuters of their own mortality. The cemetery was originally divided into four sections: one for Catholics, one for Protestants, one for non-Christians and a fourth for aborted foetuses. It now stretches over the south-west corner of the mountain, with family tombs stacked five or six storeys high. Many, especially those belonging to the gypsy community, are a riot of colour and flowers. The Fossar de la Pedrera memorial park remembers the fallen of the International Brigades and the Catalan martyrs from the Civil War. There is also a Holocaust memorial and a mausoleum to the former president of the Generalitat, Lluís Companys.

The cemetery is much visited, particularly on All Saints' Day, when the roads are clogged with cars. Eventually, it will provide a new home for the city's collection of funeral carriages.