History
The Jazigo Crypt is a notable municipal mausoleum in Portugal. Constructed from granite and iron, this unique oval-shaped structure serves as a significant historical and architectural landmark within the city’s cemetery. The mausoleum comprises three levels, one of which is below ground. The above-ground chamber is brightly lit due to a large oval-shaped skylight, while glass panels in the floor allow light to filter down to the lower level. The main room contains an old trolley and a scissor lift, adding to its historical character.
The cemetery in which the Jazigo Crypt stands was originally established in 1855, during a period marked by a devastating cholera epidemic. The outbreak, one of the largest in history, led to a sharp increase in mortality rates. As a result, authorities needed to rapidly expand burial grounds to accommodate the rising number of victims and prevent further spread of the disease.
In the 1860s, the cemetery underwent a restructuring process to allow for the creation of several private cemeteries. These enclosed areas were owned by various Brotherhoods and Orders within the city. By the 1870s, a chapel was added to the cemetery, marking a shift toward more elaborate burial practices. Around this time, the installation of monuments became more common, and the once modest burial ground began to feature grand mausoleums. Over time, the city’s affluent families commissioned increasingly elaborate and expensive monuments, transforming the cemetery into a resting place for many renowned Portuguese figures, including artists, musicians, painters, and architects.
Despite some modern photographers depicting the Jazigo Crypt as an ‘Abandoned Crypt’ or an ‘Urbex’, this isn’t true. The mausoleum is part of a maintained cemetery, serving as an important historical and cultural site. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate its architectural and historical significance with respect.
