Old Graves in Missanello Italy (Basilicata)

[CaputoBruno]

Good evening,

I have a question for someone that may be familiar with old cemeteries in Italy. I was recently in Italy visiting and doing some research in one of the towns that my family originated from. While there, I noticed that the cemetery did not have graves dating earlier than 1960 or 70ish timeframe. I asked about this and nobody in the town could tell me the reason. I suspect that the cemetery was scaped to make room for new graves or something (Which is tragic to think about) but I get it! I would just expect there to be some records to show if someone was buried there or not. I sent a request to the commune but I have not heard anything back regarding my request for information. They probably think I am crazy for asking! Curious if anyone outside of the commune would have records of a cemetery that I could possibly search for. Happy New Year all!

[PippoM]

Hello,
as far as I know, graves are usually a concession granted for 99 years.
Then, the space can be reused by the Town for new graves.
I don't know if the concessions can be renewed upon request (but after 100 years, only few would do it).
As to lists of engravements, in my town I could not find them, the clerk said they were "lost".
In a town nearby, instead, they had the lists, and I could find info about my GGparents.

[CaputoBruno]

That makes perfect sense. In this case it appears that the Missanello cemetery was scrapped at some point. I have heard of some cemeteries literally going in and moving all bones to a central burial pit. Ossario comune I think is what it is referred to as. Someone told me that some cemeteries move all burials after 10-40yrs to clear room for new burial plots. Any thoughts on this for Missanello?

[Italysearcher]

There is apost on my website that will help you understand cemetery rules in Italy.
Rest in peace. At angelreseach.net