The cemetery was inaugurated on February 2, 1843, marking a significant change in burial practices as interments moved from church interiors to designated spaces outside urban centers, in accordance with hygienic reforms introduced in the 19th century.

[2] In 1893, the cemetery expanded to include private chapels commissioned by Crotone’s wealthiest families, elevating its character from a simple communal burial ground to a monumental site adorned with funerary structures.

These chapels, often inspired by classical temple forms, featured wrought iron gates and allegorical symbols such as skulls, winged hourglasses, inverted torches, and floral wreaths, representing the cycle of life and death and the soul’s passage to eternity.

[5] The cemetery’s administration faced numerous challenges in the 20th century, including maintaining hygienic standards as required by the 1864 sanitary regulations, which imposed strict rules on transportation and burial practices.

One notable change was the doubling of fees for land use in the municipal cemetery, particularly for the construction of cappelle gentilizie (English: family chapels), raising the cost from 100 to 200 lire per square meter.

Both authors, like Gissing, were captivated by the region's rich history and cultural heritage, contributing to a broader appreciation of Southern Italy's archaeological and historical significance.