Cemiterio de Bouzas

Cemiterio de Bouzas is the parish cemetery of the Bouzas district in Vigo, in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia. It sits at the edge of the Coia neighborhood, next to Navia — an area whose growth has folded what was once an isolated burial ground into the dense urban fabric of present-day Vigo.

Where does the name come from?

The cemetery takes its name from the nearby Church of San Miguel de Bouzas, built in the second half of the 16th century and rebuilt during the 17th century. A parish burial ground has long operated alongside this church, serving the residents of Bouzas — once an independent fishing town, today one of Vigo's districts.

What was the cemetery called before the civil war?

Before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, locals simply referred to the site as the "old cemetery" (cementerio viejo), a name that set it apart from newer burial grounds appearing across an expanding Vigo. Over time, advancing urbanization forced the relocation of some tombs and family pantheons elsewhere, as the surrounding land was increasingly built up and space for expanding the cemetery itself grew scarce.

What is the layout of the cemetery?

Cemiterio de Bouzas has a rectangular, quadrangular plan. A sturdy masonry wall runs around its entire perimeter, clearly separating the sacred grounds from the surrounding residential buildings. The site also includes a chapel, used for prayer during funerals and memorial services.

What does the main entrance look like?

The main entrance is marked by a large iron gate set within a stone arch decorated with relief carving. Above the gate stands a sizeable cross made from the same metal as the gate itself — a visual signal that immediately marks the site's sacred character to anyone approaching from the street.

Why is it worth a visit?

Cemiterio de Bouzas holds strong local and historical value for residents of this part of Vigo, standing as a reminder of Bouzas' earlier, distinct identity as a fishing town before it was absorbed into the city's administrative limits. Walking its paths reveals typical Galician funerary architecture: stone family pantheons, iron crosses, and modest chapels characteristic of parish cemeteries across the region. For visitors interested in local history and religious architecture, it makes an interesting stop alongside a visit to the Church of San Miguel de Bouzas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cemiterio de Bouzas a municipal or a parish cemetery? It is a parish cemetery, historically tied to the Church of San Miguel de Bouzas, though today it functions as part of the network of burial grounds serving the city of Vigo.

Where exactly is the cemetery located? At the edge of the Coia neighborhood, near the Navia district, in the city of Vigo, province of Pontevedra, Galicia.

What was the cemetery formerly called? Before the Spanish Civil War it was known as the "old cemetery" (cementerio viejo), distinguishing it from newer burial grounds built in Vigo.

What stands out at the entrance? A large iron gate set into a stone arch with relief carving, topped by a metal cross of matching craftsmanship.

Is there a chapel on the grounds? Yes, the rectangular, walled cemetery grounds include a chapel.