New Cemetery (Sentmenat)

The New Cemetery of Sentmenat is one of the most interesting examples of Catalan Modernism applied to funerary architecture. Built in 1905 according to the design of architect Antoni de Falguera i Sivilla, this cemetery is particularly notable for its entrance pavilion, a structure full of ornamental details and symbolism that reflects the artistic sensibility of the early 20th century.

The building's main attraction is its modernist façade, organized into three sections with a striking symmetry. The combination of architectural and decorative elements creates an elegant and unique composition, in which the use of black and white trencadís stands out—an ornamental technique characteristic of modernism that lends contrast and personality to the building.

One of the most striking features is the central wrought-iron gate, decorated with plant motifs and shaped like a peacock's tail. This detail is not accidental, as the peacock is a symbol traditionally associated with immortality and paradise. Thus, the entrance to the cemetery acquires a spiritual significance, symbolically representing the passage to the afterlife.

The pavilion's decoration is completed with acroteria, gargoyles, and a frieze bearing the inscription "Cementiri de Sentmenat" (Sentmenat Cemetery). These elements reinforce the monumental character of the entrance and demonstrate the importance that Modernism placed on small details, even in funerary constructions.

In this project, architect Antoni de Falguera i Sivilla masterfully combined the functionality of a funerary complex with an artistic language rich in forms, textures, and symbolic references. The result is a work that transforms the cemetery entrance into a heritage element of great interest.

Discovering the New Cemetery of Sentmenat is a great opportunity to see a unique example of Sentmenat's modernist heritage and appreciate how architecture, art, and funerary symbolism combine in the same space.