Italian monuments in Sydney
Italian families have a distinct memorial tradition: polished marble monuments, a ceramic photograph of the person, and often a family crypt or mausoleum. In Sydney, Italian burials sit within the Catholic sections of the major cemeteries. Here is the tradition, where Italian families are buried, and how to arrange a monument.
The Italian memorial tradition
The Italian memorial is usually a substantial polished monument in marble or granite, often upright, finished to a high standard. A ceramic (porcelain) photograph of the person is central, a custom carried from southern Europe, along with kerbing, a vase and religious imagery such as a cross or the Madonna.
Many Italian families favour above-ground entombment in a family crypt or mausoleum rather than an in-ground grave, keeping the family together in one place across generations. It is some of the most elaborate stonework a mason undertakes.
Where Italian families are buried in Sydney
Italian burials are within the Catholic sections. The Catholic Cemeteries grounds hold extensive Italian burials and large mausoleum complexes; Italian families are also in the general and Catholic sections of the other Sydney cemeteries.
Costs and arranging a monument
Italian marble monuments and family crypts are premium, made-to-order work, quoted by a monumental mason against the grave or crypt. The plot or crypt itself is a separate charge through the cemetery.
Frequently asked
Where are Italian people buried in Sydney?
Italian families are buried mainly in the Catholic sections of Sydney's cemeteries. The Catholic Cemeteries grounds, including Rookwood Catholic, Kemps Creek, Liverpool and Macarthur, hold extensive Italian burials and mausoleum complexes. Italian families are also found in the general sections of the Metropolitan Memorial Parks cemeteries.
What is a traditional Italian headstone?
Typically a polished marble or granite monument, often upright and substantial, with a ceramic (porcelain) photograph of the person, kerbing, a vase, and religious imagery such as a cross or the Madonna. The ceramic photograph is a long-standing southern-European custom.
Can an Italian family have a crypt or mausoleum?
Yes. Above-ground entombment in a family crypt or mausoleum is a strong Italian tradition, carried from Italy. Sydney's Catholic cemeteries hold large mausoleum complexes, and some allow a private family mausoleum.
How much does an Italian monument cost?
Italian marble monuments are premium work. A full monument starts from about $12,000 and a family estate or private mausoleum is a bespoke cost well above that. The plot or crypt is a separate charge through the cemetery.