Sinti Graves in Lana

When a Sinti person dies, all the possessions of the deceased are burned and only one item is kept, with which many memories are associated. Furthermore, their favorite dish is not eaten for a year to pay respect in this way. Moreover, the Sinti usually stay very close to the deceased, which is not always possible because they are often driven away from their camps or have to settle in remote places. However, when they visit the graves, they turn it into a colorful and lively place, they make music at the gravesites or speak loudly with their ancestors.

The ancestors are highly valued by the Sinti. Thus, the graves are never visited at noon, as they do not want to disturb the deceased during their meal. The fact that the ancestors not only eat meals but also smoke occasionally is evident from the lit cigarettes that often smolder at the gravesites.

At the cemetery of Lana, several Sinti graves can be found. One of the most famous Sinti families was the Gabrielli family, which originally bore the name Adelsburg and originated from Austria. Stefano Gabrielli was buried here in 1978 in a very expensive coffin, and his impressive marble grave is also adorned with a violin.

Address: Cemetery of the Parish Church of the Assumption, Schnatterpeckstraße, 39011 Lana

In the parish church, you can also find the largest and most beautiful winged altars in the Alpine region.