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NOLA Dead Space

Exploring New Orleans's Cities of the Dead

Italian Mutual Benefit Society Tomb

Designed in 1857 by Architect Pietro Gualdi and built of 24 vaults at a cost of $40k. As per New Orleans tradition members would be interned in one of the vaults for a year (and a day), just enough time for the bones to remain, their remains would be moved to the central area.

Cinephiles will recognize the tomb from Easy Rider.

The tomb is a fine example of the fanciful nature of the Baroque style of architecture, which fittingly had its roots in Italy. Baroque architecture is characterized by exuberant decoration, sweeping curvaceous forms and an almost playful delight in composition, all of which are evident in this society tomb. The tomb includes three elegantly carved marble statues of  female figures; one holding a cross surmounting the top, one in a niche above “Italia” and another out of view in a niche on the left representing “Charity”.
This architectural masterpiece is the most notable of the many multi-vaulted society tombs in the cemetery. Designed by Pietro Gualdi it was fabricated in Italy and erected in 1857 at a cost of $40,000. Ownership was ceded to the cemetery in 1986 by Loggia Dante #174, F&M which had acquired ownership from Italian Society in 1949.

Restored by New Orleans Archdiocesan Cemeteries 1986-1987

Interred

  • Botto, Francisque
  • Dellavalle, Charles Joseph
  • Dellavalle, Genero Sorosalindo
  • Dellavalle, Giuseppe Antonio
  • Dellavalle, Rosalia
  • Figallo, Gaetano
  • Giulla, Natale
  • Macera, Batiste
  • Manetta, Jacques
  • Noreri, Lazard
  • Socola, Maria Angela
  • https://database.hnoc.org/cemetery/tomb.php?tomb_id=486

Contact

#484 Conti Parallel 2

St Louis No 1