In 1885 as ravaging epidemics of cholera spread throughout Spain the “Old Cemetery” as it was known was considered to be too close to the city.

A temporary solution was found while bids were being accepted for a new cemetery for Alcoy overlooking the city.

Local engineer Enrique Vilaplana Julià was awarded the contract to turn an open space into an area that represented Alcoy’s growing wealth and stature as a modern industrial city.

Today the Sant Antoni Abat or Cantagallet Cemetery as it is called is considered to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Spain due to its unusual architecture and examples of Art Nouveau period funerary sculpture.

In 2012 the cemetery was placed on the European Cemeteries Route, a cultural itinerary established by the Council of Europe.