Oldest 5 Cemeteries in Barcelona

Table of Contents

• 1. Poblenou Cemetery
• 2. Sant Andreu Cemetery
• 3. Les Corts Cemetery
• 4. Sarrià Cemetery
• 5. Montjuïc Cemetery
• References
• Images Sources

1. Poblenou Cemetery

Poblenou cemetery is kind of the oG of barcelona's modern cemeteries.

it first opened back in 1775 when the city decided it was time to stop burying people inside the city walls (hello, hygiene!).

unfortunately, the original version was wiped out during the Napoleonic wars.

But dont worry, it didn't stay gone.

In 1819, it got a serious glow-up thanks to architect Antonio Ginesi.

and what he built is still mostly intact today.

Think wide avenues, detailed tombs, and statues that make you pause.

you'll notice its sometime called Cementiri de l'est (cemetery of the East) or cementiri Vell (Old Cemetery), so dont get confused it's all the same spot.

it's also split into an older section with neoclassical vibes and a newer one that feels more modernist.

wanna see something wild?

There's a super famous statue here called "The Kiss of death." It's a skeleton kissing a young man very poetic, very eerie, very instagrammable.

if you're into quiet walks with a side of art and local lore, this cemetery is a must.

2. Sant Andreu Cemetery

Nestled in what used to be the independent town of Sant Andreu de Palomar, this cemetery started out pretty humbly.

Back in the day, people were buried in a little parish graveyard but as the population grew, space ran out fast.

So in 1839, they officially opened the new Sant Andreu Cemetery.

Even though it's not as flashy as some others in the city, it has a super cozy, intimate feel to it.

Walking through here feels like stepping into a village storybook, just one with a slightly morbid twist.

You'll see family tombs that date way back and plenty of old stone crosses.

What makes this spot special is how it still feels really connected to the local community.

A lot of the families here go back generations.

It's also quieter than some of the bigger cemeteries in Barcelona, which makes it a peaceful little escape from the city buzz.

3. Les Corts Cemetery

When the royal decree came down in 1835 banning burials in parish churchyards, cities had to scramble to find space.

That's how Les Corts Cemetery came to be in 1845.

At the time, this area was just a small town outside the city, but now it's all part of modern-day Barcelona.

The cemetery itself is a bit of a time capsule you can see how burial styles changed over the decades, from modest slabs to elaborate mausoleums.

One cool feature here?

Some of the tombs belong to pretty well-known local families and artists.

And while it's not a massive cemetery, it's big enough to get lost in for an hour or two if you like wandering.

It's also surrounded by trees, which gives it a peaceful park-like atmosphere.

Definitely a good spot to slow down and explore if you're nearby.

4. Sarrià Cemetery

Sarrià Cemetery has kind of a mysterious vibe to it, partly because its earliest records were lost.

We do know that burials started happening here around 1835, and the place got its official enclosure in 1849.

This one feels a bit like a secret garden.

It's tucked away in what used to be a rural village, now turned upscale neighborhood.

Not as visited as Montjuïc or Poblenou, but that's part of its charm.

You'll find lots of vertical tombs, narrow paths, and personal touches like ceramic portraits and poetry.

It's got this romantic old-world atmosphere that's hard to explain until you see it.

Also, because it's less known, it's often really quiet.

Perfect for a slow, thoughtful walk or for soaking in a different side of the city's past.

5. Montjuïc Cemetery

This one's massive.

Seriously Montjuïc Cemetery spreads over a huge hillside and has over a million interments.

It opened in 1883 because Poblenou was getting full, and it's still in use today.

Even though it's newer than the others, it's packed with history.

Lots of big names from Catalonia's past are buried here, including artists, politicians, and even anarchists.

The architecture ranges from sleek modernist tombs to grand family vaults.

And the views?

Unreal.

The cemetery is built into the side of Montjuïc Hill, so you get sweeping views of the harbor and city below.

It's like a mix of cemetery and open-air museum.

Bonus: if you're into symbolism and cool sculpture, this place is full of them.

Angels, weeping figures, and even some pretty avant-garde grave markers.

There you go a little dive into some of the oldest and most fascinating cemeteries in Barcelona.

They're not just places where people were laid to rest; they're places full of stories, emotion, and even a bit of artistry.

Whether you're in it for the history, the quiet moments, or the Instagram shots, these cemeteries are totally worth a visit.

Next time you're in Barcelona, skip one of the usual tourist stops and take a walk through the past instead.

Sources and References

• Cementiris de Barcelona official website

• Barcelona.cat - City History Archives

• "Cementiris de Barcelona" (Josep Maria Carandell i Robusté)

• El País and La Vanguardia articles on Barcelona cemeteries

• Local signage and historical plaques at cemetery sites

Images Sources and Attributions

All images used within this page have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes.