[1] In the 19th century, as a consequence of the rapid demographic growth of Milan, a thorough reorganization of the cemeteries of the city was due.

At the time, Milan had a large number of small cemeteries located in areas that were originally peripheral but, as the city expanded, had experienced a quick urbanization.

Plans were made to close down most of these small cemeteries and build a few, larger ones, in the outskirts of the city.

The Monumentale was built first (in the early decades of the century), but it soon became clear that at least another large cemetery was needed.

Core samples proved that the rural area of Musocco, bordering on Milan, had suitable geological properties; after some quarrel with Musocco's administration, construction began in the late 19th century, on a design by architects Luigi Mazzocchi and Enrico Brotti.