Cemetery of Cerdanyola del Valles

The Cemetery of Cerdanyola del Vallès stands around the old church of Sant Martí, a site where centuries of local history meet one of the most painful chapters of modern Catalonia. The church itself, built in 1594 in a Gothic tradition with Renaissance touches, predates the cemetery as it exists today and remains the oldest surviving structure of the whole complex.

How did the old church become part of the cemetery?

For centuries, Sant Martí served as the parish church of Cerdanyola. Everything changed in 1946, when the municipality purchased the building from the diocese and demolished the adjoining rectory in order to expand the municipal cemetery. From that point on, the old church and the surrounding burial ground have functioned as a single protected heritage complex, recognized today as part of the town's historical patrimony.

What was discovered inside the church?

In 1990, work carried out beneath the choir vault uncovered one of the most significant collections of 16th- and 17th-century pottery and earthenware ever found in Catalonia. The discovery raised the site's profile among art historians and archaeologists, confirming that the church had long served as an important center of religious life in the region.

Which tombs stand out artistically?

Several tombs within the cemetery hold clear artistic value. The most imposing is the Fatjó del Molí tomb, built in a classical style beneath a large dome. Also notable is the tomb of Dolors Ramis, featuring a pietà sculpture by Josep Viladomat, along with the 1916 Fatjó dels Xiprers sepulcher, attributed to Eduard Balcells. Together, these works show how local families invested in funerary art at the turn of the 20th century.

Why is this site linked to the Spanish Civil War?

The cemetery's most difficult chapter unfolded during the early months of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1937). During this period, the grounds became a site of executions tied to the repression carried out in the Republican rearguard against clergy and people associated with the old order. The cemetery holds mass graves connected to different moments of the conflict, containing victims from opposing sides — a stark record of the divisions the war carved into the local community.

How is this history remembered today?

Because of this legacy, the cemetery of the old church of Sant Martí has been incorporated into Catalonia's Network of Democratic Memory Spaces. The town has also added signage marking the Civil War mass graves, allowing residents and visitors to learn the site's history accurately and with respect for all victims involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors walk through the cemetery? The grounds form part of Cerdanyola's municipal infrastructure and remain accessible during standard cemetery opening hours, alongside the adjacent former church, which today also functions as a museum space.

What makes this cemetery stand out among others in the region? The combination of four-centuries-old religious architecture, an archaeological find of national importance, and a dramatic 20th-century Civil War history gives the site a significance that goes well beyond its funerary function.

Are the notable tombs marked for visitors? The best-known works, such as the Fatjó del Molí tomb and the Viladomat sculpture, are recognizable landmarks within the cemetery and are considered part of the local artistic heritage.