Visit Tomba Brion in San Vito di Altivole. Explore the Magnus Opus of Carlo Scarpa

Fonte: ufficio stampa Presidenza della Camera di Commercio di Treviso-Belluno|Dolomiti

Not far from Asolo, in the background of the hills in the Treviso countryside, is the small cemetery of San Vito di Altivole, site of the monumental “Brion” funeral complex.
The work was commissioned from architect and designer Carlo Scarpa by Onorina Tomasin to commemorate her husband Giuseppe Brion, who passed away suddenly. The latter, who was born in San Vito, had been a highly successful Italian entrepreneur in the postwar period, known for the Brionvega brand, capable of bringing innovation and design to the world of hi-tech products, such as the Radio Cube and the portable television set, which can be admired today at MOMA in NY.

The Brion family’s choice to commission Carlo Scarpa to design the project was certainly not accidental. Born in Venice in 1906, Scarpa studied at his city’s Academy of Fine Arts and quickly discovered himself to be a versatile artist: painter, craftsman, designer and architect with an honorary degree. An international award-winner, he is one of the most important artists of the 20th century, whose works influence contemporary designers and architects.

Carlo Scarpa worked on the Brion Tomb project from 1969 until his premature death in 1978 in Japan, leaving written in his will that he wanted to be buried in this funerary complex to which he was extremely attached. In his own words –This is the only piece of work I go to see willingly, because I seem to have conquered the sense of the countryside, as the Brions wanted. Everyone goes there with great affection; the children play, the dogs run: all cemeteries should be made like this.

The architectural complex

Brion Tomb blends in itself modernism, venetian art, symbolism and oriental philosophy, speaking to us of an absolute love, which goes further than the limits imposed by death.

The monumental area covers 2,200 square meters and is enclosed by a sloping concrete wall, whose oppressive presence, reminiscent of the cemetery condition, is broken up by mirrors of water (the source of life), water lilies, gutters and meadow beds inspired by Zen philosophy and iconic Japanese gardens. The Eastern world then merges with the Western Venetian tradition, thanks to the various pieces of colored Murano glass.

The complex consists of:

Entrance to the Tomb: formed by a portal in which two circles are intertwined, one in blue mosaic and the other in pink, symbolizing Ying and Yang, two opposites that meet and unite inextricably.
The arcosolium: it is the centerpiece of the complex, inspired by the burials of ancient Christians. A low arch/bridge lined on the inside with glass tiles. The structure protects the tombs of Onorina and Giuseppe Brion, carved from a single block of marble and tilted toward each other, as if to symbolize the couple’s eternal union.
The aedicule: a pyramidal roof that houses the graves of relatives.
The chapel: it is located in the center of a pool of water containing concrete forms similar to steps. Thanks to cuts, inlays and slits, the chapel lends itself to endless plays of light, such as the glare of water in the ceiling, which change throughout the day.
The pavilion: it is dedicated to meditation and is located right in view of the arcosolium.
Carlo Scarpa’s tomb: it is deliberately located in a defiladed area of the complex and houses the coffins of the artist and his wife, Nini Lazzari. It was created by his son, also an architect, Tobia Scarpa.

The tour

The Memorial was restored in April 2021 and is therefore usable in all its original beauty.

The complex is easily accessible by car from the main neighboring cities (Venice, Treviso, Trento, Verona).

Access to the Memorial is free of charge. For those who wish, it is possible to book a guided tour for a fee.

Be fascinated by this enchanting place of peace, silence and harmony. A perfect blend of different philosophies and religions, prompting the visitor to reflect on existence, leaving the memory of a unique and engaging experience.

For more information
FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano
Tel. +39 349 8781601
memorialebrion@fondoambiente.it
www.memorialebrion.it