The tomb of renowned Italian actress Sandra Milo has been vandalized at the Verano Cemetery in Rome, sparking outrage from her family and fans alike. Milo, who passed away at the age of 91 on January 29, 2024, after a brief battle with lung cancer, is buried in a family tomb that has now been marred by an act of senseless destruction.
On May 4, 2025, Azzurra De Lollis, Milo's daughter, visited her mother’s grave only to find it in a state of devastation. "When I arrived, I found a hole above my mother’s gravestone. All the plants had been uprooted, and the glass was on the ground. It was a real affront," she recounted to Fanpage.it. This shocking discovery came after a short absence due to a domestic accident that had prevented her from visiting the previous week.
The damage to the tombstone and the uprooted plants are just the latest in a series of vandalism incidents targeting Milo’s resting place. Azzurra expressed her anger through a heartfelt social media post, questioning what could possibly be amusing about such a disgraceful act. "What could the person or persons who destroyed my mother’s gravestone have found so entertaining?" she wrote. Her words were filled with raw emotion, reflecting the profound sense of loss and indignation felt by her family.
In her post, Azzurra did not hold back her fury. "If you are reading these lines, you miserable person: one day, you too will end up underground..." she warned. Her message was a powerful condemnation of the act, which she labeled as both despicable and cowardly. Azzurra vowed that if she ever discovers who is responsible, her reaction would be "relentless" and unforgiving.
The incident has resonated deeply within the community, igniting a wave of support for Azzurra and condemnation of the vandalism. Fans of Sandra Milo, who is celebrated as a muse of Federico Fellini and a beloved figure in Italian cinema, have flooded social media with messages of solidarity. Many are now calling for increased security measures at the cemetery, including the installation of surveillance cameras to protect sacred sites.
As Azzurra returned to the cemetery to pay her respects, she lamented the neglect that has befallen the Verano Cemetery, a historic site that is supposed to honor the memories of many notable figures from politics and the arts. "It’s an abandoned place. People come for tours, walk their dogs, and ride bikes, but it’s a cemetery, not a park," she stated, highlighting the lack of respect for such a significant location.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Milo’s tomb has been targeted. Azzurra revealed that a ceramic plaque with a photo of her mother had previously been stolen, an incident she initially attributed to an overzealous fan. However, the recent vandalism has left her feeling disheartened and frustrated. "I thought it was a fan and had it remade, but such a new act of vandalism is simply horrific," she explained.
In response to the latest incident, Azzurra has taken steps to file a formal complaint regarding the vandalism and intends to approach cemetery management about the lack of supervision and protection for the graves. She emphasized that her family’s plight is not an isolated case, as there have been reports of other tombs at Verano being vandalized, including those of children.
The emotional toll of these events is palpable. Azzurra’s brother, Ciro De Lollis, shared his sorrow on the show "La volta buona," recounting how Azzurra had called him in tears after discovering the damage. "Azzurra was crying uncontrollably. The words she said to me were too painful to repeat, but the tomb was damaged, and the succulent plants behind the gravestone were all uprooted. It was a disgrace," he said.
Ciro expressed disbelief at the motivations behind such an act, urging anyone who harbors grievances against their family to confront them directly instead of targeting someone who has passed away. His heartfelt plea highlights the profound respect and love the family holds for Sandra Milo, whose legacy continues to resonate.
The vandalism of Sandra Milo's tomb raises larger questions about the management and security of historical cemeteries, especially those frequented by tourists and curious visitors. As Azzurra pointed out, the cemetery's current state of neglect is unacceptable and undermines the dignity of those resting there. The lack of surveillance not only puts graves at risk but also reflects a broader societal issue regarding respect for the deceased.
In the wake of this incident, the family hopes to see changes that will ensure the protection of not just Sandra Milo’s tomb but all the sacred spaces within the Verano Cemetery. They aim to raise awareness about the need for better oversight and respect for these hallowed grounds, where the memories of beloved figures should be honored, not desecrated.
As the family navigates this painful chapter, they are met with overwhelming support from fans and the public, who stand in solidarity against such acts of disrespect. The community’s response underscores a collective commitment to preserving the memory of Sandra Milo and ensuring that her legacy is treated with the respect it deserves.
Ultimately, the vandalism of Sandra Milo's tomb serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of memory and the importance of safeguarding the places where our loved ones rest. The De Lollis family’s call for justice and respect resonates beyond their personal grief, echoing a universal plea for dignity in death and remembrance.
