Civil Cemetery, Madrid

The Civil Cemetery of Madrid (Cementerio Civil) is one of three burial grounds forming the eastern cemetery complex of the Spanish capital, sitting directly alongside the Almudena Cemetery and the Jewish Cemetery. For more than a century it has served as a secular alternative to Catholic burial, a distinction that sets it apart from most Madrid cemeteries and gives it particular historical weight.

When was the cemetery founded?

The cemetery opened on 9 September 1884. Its first burial, which marked the beginning of the site's history, was that of Marvilla Leal González. From that date onward, the cemetery became a resting place for people not affiliated with the Catholic Church or those who deliberately chose a secular burial.

Who is buried here?

The Civil Cemetery of Madrid holds the graves of several figures of real significance to Spanish history and culture. Dolores Ibárruri, a well-known political figure, is buried here, as is the writer Pío Baroja y Nessi, one of the notable names of twentieth-century Spanish literature. The cemetery is also the resting place of Francisco Largo Caballero, a figure tied to Spain's political history, and of Arturo Soria y Mata, an urban planner whose ideas on city design influenced the growth of Madrid.

Where exactly is the cemetery located?

The cemetery lies in the eastern part of Madrid, directly next to the Almudena Cemetery – the largest cemetery in the city – and the Jewish Cemetery. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 40.421372 latitude and -3.635885 longitude, placing it within the capital's eastern cemetery complex.

Why is this place worth visiting?

The Civil Cemetery of Madrid is a meaningful stop for anyone interested in the social and political history of Spain. The presence of graves belonging to political figures and cultural personalities means the site draws visitors beyond just relatives of the deceased – it also attracts people wanting to learn more about individuals who shaped modern Spain. Its secular character, combined with its position next to two other cemeteries, makes this complex a unique place where different burial traditions coexist within a single location.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Civil Cemetery and the Almudena Cemetery? The Civil Cemetery is secular in character, while Almudena is the largest Catholic cemetery in Madrid – the two sit next to each other as part of the city's eastern cemetery complex.

When did the first burial take place? The first burial happened on the day the cemetery opened, 9 September 1884, and was that of Marvilla Leal González.

Which notable people are buried here? Among those buried at the cemetery are Dolores Ibárruri, writer Pío Baroja y Nessi, Francisco Largo Caballero, and urban planner Arturo Soria y Mata.

How can visitors get there? The cemetery is located in eastern Madrid, right next to the Almudena Cemetery, making it easy to combine a visit with the larger site.