The Italian Vault

Attracted by economic opportunities to be found here, a large number of Italian immigrants came to Galveston in the 19th century. In 1876, they formed the Italian Mutual Benevolent Society (Societa'Italiana di Mutuo Soccorso) to provide assistance to fellow immigrants. The society purchased a plot of land in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in 1888 and built this mausoleum, known as the Italian Vault. The structure exhibits Gothic style influences in its buttresses, gargoyles, and Corinthian columns flanking the entrance. The vault provides space for twelve crypts. It served as a permanent or temporary resting place for more than 70 deceased members until burial could take place in the cemetery. A number of Italian immigrants are interred in plots surrounding the mausoleum. Buried in this cemetery are Captain Clemente Nicolini, a member of the original vault building committee and a former Italian consulate who aided many immigrants; and Gioacchino Cassara, the first president of the Italian Benevolent Society. The vault also was used by members of the later organized Italian society, Stella d'Italia, and finally the the Sons of Italy. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1992

The Italian Vault is a historical marker in Galveston, Galveston County, dedicated in 1992. It is one of 283 historical markers documented in Galveston County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 373 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.2726, -94.8303 near Galveston. The nearest cataloged historic site is Valentine T. Dalton (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Greek Orthodox Cemetery, Calvary Catholic, and Beth Jacob.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5167007497. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.