Cemetery director manages multiple sites

The director of the cemeteries in Bastia manages several burial grounds, including the large Montesoro cemetery, which covers 9 hectares and holds nearly 10,000 graves, as well as the Ondina and Cardo cemeteries. Their responsibilities include overseeing daily operations such as burials, exhumations, and assisting families in finding suitable plots for their loved ones.

Theft remains a challenge

Despite video surveillance, thefts occur, especially during periods like All Saints, when people visit cemeteries. Stolen items include flowers, funeral plaques, and even unique pieces like a plaque shaped like Corsica. The director notes that increasing guard patrols is one way to address the issue.

Space and design considerations

With the reopening of the Ondina cemetery, space is no longer a major concern. However, the director is exploring ways to accommodate families with existing family vaults, such as allowing them to raise their vaults higher. Urban planning rules apply, and most vaults are made of classic granite, though some families request alternative designs like compartments for cremation remains.

Architectural and religious diversity

The cemeteries feature a range of architectural styles, including tombs that are no longer produced today. Restoration is difficult due to the unavailability of traditional materials and techniques. The cemeteries are also multi-confessional, with sections for Jewish and Slovak communities at Montesoro and a Muslim section at Ondina.

Efforts to improve accessibility

To address financial concerns, the director has introduced a 15-year concession period for burials, making them more affordable. The cemeteries also contain notable individuals, such as the tenor César Vezzani, and efforts are underway to catalog these people as part of a heritage trail.

History and stories preserved

The director mentioned that while the cemeteries have historical and wartime stories, there have been no reported supernatural occurrences. The history is preserved through the memories of elderly residents and historical photographs, ensuring that the cemeteries remain a place of both remembrance and cultural significance.