Lucio Fontana Sculptures at the Monumental Cemetery of Milan

The Monumental Cemetery of Milan is an open air museum where architecture, sculpture and memory meet. Among the many artists represented here, Lucio Fontana stands out for a series of funerary works that anticipate the tension, elegance and experimentation that would later make him famous.

This page helps you find the main Lucio Fontana sculptures at the Monumental Cemetery of Milan, with practical tips and a simple route. If you are planning your visit, you may also want to check Opening Hours and How to Get There.

Quick overview, what you will see

Early commissions, including a refined Madonna for the Mapelli family.
Powerful figurative sculpture, from bronze reliefs to monumental figures.
A striking ceramic angel for the Chinelli monument, one of the most photographed works in the cemetery.

Fontana highlights at the Monumental Cemetery

Below you will find the key monuments often associated with Fontana’s work inside the cemetery. They are spread across different areas, so you can either pick the ones closest to your route, or follow the full itinerary.

Monumento Berardi
Monumento Caterina Mapelli
Monumento Ettore De Medici
Monumento Castellotti
Monumento Chinelli
Optional extra stop, Gualandri Bertolini

Monumento Berardi

Often linked to the theme of modern work and industry, the Berardi monument is one of Fontana’s best known early presences at the Monumental Cemetery. Look closely at the sculpted details: even when working within a traditional funerary context, Fontana brings a modern rhythm to forms and surfaces.

If you enjoy this style of monument, you might also like our page on Family mausoleums, which explores private chapels commissioned by Milan’s historic industrial families.

Monumento Caterina Mapelli

The Mapelli monument is frequently cited as a key early commission at the cemetery. It features a delicate sacred image (a Madonna) that reflects the taste of the period and Fontana’s refined sculptural training. It is also a great stop if you are interested in how Milanese funerary art moved from late nineteenth century symbolism toward twentieth century modernity.

Monumento Ettore De Medici

The Ettore De Medici monument is associated with an important phase of Fontana’s work at the Monumental Cemetery, where he produced funerary sculpture that combines emotion and formal clarity. It is a compelling stop if you want to understand Fontana before his later breakthroughs, when his language was still rooted in figurative sculpture, yet already searching for stronger spatial impact.

Monumento Castellotti

The Castellotti monument is one of the most visually memorable Fontana works inside the cemetery. The figure and its surface treatment (including dramatic contrasts) create a powerful presence, especially when seen in natural light. This is a must for visitors who love modern sculpture in an unexpected setting.

If you are building a themed visit, consider pairing this stop with Angel Statues, because the Monumental Cemetery offers many variations on the angelic figure across different artistic movements.

Monumento Chinelli

The Chinelli monument is famous for its ceramic angel, an intense, dynamic figure that feels both sacred and experimental. Many visitors describe this work as one of the highlights of twentieth century sculpture at the Monumental Cemetery of Milan.

This is also a great point to connect your visit with other iconic experiences, such as the 1 hour walking route, or a deeper exploration of stories and personalities on our Famous Tombs page.

Optional extra stop, Monumento funebre di Alice Gualandri Bertolini

If you have extra time and want one more Fontana related work, consider the Gualandri Bertolini funerary monument. It is noted for a central cross and a carefully crafted combination of materials, including metal elements and colored inserts. This stop works well for visitors interested in the relationship between design, architecture and sacred symbolism in mid twentieth century Milan.

A simple self guided route (practical and flexible)

Because these monuments are in different parts of the cemetery, the easiest approach is to choose one of these options:

Option A, the essential three

Mapelli, for the early Madonna and a refined beginning.
Castellotti, for a dramatic sculptural presence.
Chinelli, for the iconic ceramic angel.

Option B, the full Fontana trail

Berardi
Mapelli
De Medici
Castellotti
Chinelli
(Optional) Gualandri Bertolini

Tip: bring a screenshot of the cemetery map on your phone, then navigate by section names. This makes it much easier to locate specific monuments without losing time.

Related pages for planning your visit

FAQ

Are these Fontana monuments easy to find?

Yes, with a map and the section names. The Monumental Cemetery is large, so planning your route in advance helps you avoid backtracking.

Do I need a guided tour to see Fontana’s works?

Not necessarily. A self guided visit works well if you focus on three to five key stops. Guided tours are great if you want broader historical context.

Why is Fontana present at the Monumental Cemetery of Milan?

Fontana worked on funerary commissions early in his career, and the Monumental Cemetery is one of Milan’s most important public “galleries” of sculpture and architecture, where many leading artists produced monuments for private families.