Colon Cemetery, Historical cemetery in Vedado, Cuba
Colón Cemetery is a burial ground in Vedado that spans a large area and houses over 500 mausoleums across its grounds. The structures blend different architectural styles, with Gothic towers standing beside Greek pavilions and Medieval castle-inspired tombs.
The cemetery was built starting in 1871 when the cornerstone was placed at the main entrance. It represented a major undertaking that evolved over many years as structures were added throughout the decades.
The cemetery's monuments display religious symbolism where trees represent eternal growth, angels serve as spiritual intermediaries, and torches symbolize spiritual purification. These symbols reflect how the living honor their departed through layered spiritual meaning.
The cemetery is located at the intersection of Calle Zapata and Calle 12 in the Vedado neighborhood and opens during daylight hours. Visitors should expect pathways and walkways running between the various mausoleums across the grounds.
The architect Calixto de Loira became the first person interred in the Tobías Gallery, a structure he himself designed, after he passed away from exhaustion during the construction process. His final resting place stands within the very space his vision created.
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