Cementerio Municipal

Original municipal cemetery of Colombres.

History of the Colombres cemeterynMany Asturians were forced to emigrate to America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. A good number of them managed to make great fortune, and upon returning to their homeland, being wealthy, they built large mansions or palaces, or even bought noble titles. Among them were the Indians of Colombres, who completely changed the appearance of their native town. Ribadedeva is the council to which the towns belong, here called parishes, of Colombres, Noriega and Villanueva.nnIn addition to filling the town with impressive mansions, the Indians also wanted to build a small cemetery that left its mark, with its striking pantheons. They succeeded, as it became one of the best examples of Indian architecture. The cemetery was built by Manuel Posada in 1885, with the patronage of the Manuel Ibáñez Indian.nnThe pantheonsnThe cemetery occupies a small rectangular space with a masonry wall and a double wrought iron gate. Upon entering we find the main avenue, with pantheons on both sides and a small chapel in the background.nnThe first pantheon is possibly the one that most attracts the attention of all visitors. It is the only one in classical style and also resembles a Roman temple, with its podium, columns and pediment. It houses a chapel and a underground crypt. It was built in 1894 by the architect Mauricio Jalvo Millán for the Sánchez Escalante family.