Liliana Segre at Ornella Vanoni‘s Funeral, Thousands Pay Respects
Senator for life Liliana Segre arrived at Ornella Vanoni’s funeral home in Milan, having previously sent a note too the singer’s home reading, “Unforgettable friend. With love. Liliana.” Segre spent a considerable time in front of the coffin.
Approximately 5,000 people are estimated to have passed through the funeral home by 1pm, according to Milan’s Councilor for Culture, Tommaso Sacchi. He described the outpouring of grief as “a testimony of an affection that will continue into tommorow,” noting the presence of fans, citizens, and artists from various fields, both Italian and international. Sacchi added, “A piece of Milan has rallied around Ornella Vanoni.”
Ornella Vanoni harbored a lifelong dream of performing at La Scala in Milan, the renowned opera house. this aspiration was shared with Letizia Moratti, former mayor of milan and current Forza Italia MEP, who recounted the artist’s confession to Adnkronos. Vanoni wished to perform in the theater that has hosted musical legends like Gioachino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, Arturo Toscanini, Claudio Abbado, and Riccardo Muti.
Ornella Vanoni: Milan Pays Final Respects
November 23, 2025 – Milan is mourning the loss of iconic singer Ornella Vanoni, with citizens lining the streets to pay their respects.
The hearse carrying Vanoni’s coffin arrived at the Piccolo Teatro Grassi this morning, met with applause from those strolling along Via Dante. Mayor Giuseppe Sala and Culture Councilor Tommaso Sacchi were present to greet the arrival at the theatre where Vanoni began her acting career. In keeping with her wishes, the coffin is simple, made of light wood, and without flowers – she requested that money not be spent on elaborate arrangements as it would be cremated.
A long queue of hundreds has formed on Via dante, stretching towards piazza Cairoli, as people wait for their turn to offer a final farewell. The funeral home will be open until 2pm today and again tomorrow from 10am to 1pm.
Fiorella Mannoia, arriving at the funeral home, remembered Vanoni as a symbol of “freedom and irreverence,” a “cultured, elegant, and free woman.” She added, “She was very ironic and never missed a joke. It was a duty to come and say goodbye to her. She lived lucidly until her last moments. You couldn’t have a sweeter death.”
# Ornella Vanoni Passes away: Milan Mourns a Cultural Icon
Milan has declared a city mourning period for Monday, remembering Ornella Vanoni as “a free woman,” much like “her Milan, which has always loved her” and “will not forget her.” It’s unfeasible to forget a life spanning 91 years in the city of her birth, where she began her career in singing and theatre. She had a notable connection with Giorgio Strehler at the Piccolo Teatro, who considered her “a profound part” of his history, and the funeral home will be open for two days to allow the public to pay their respects.
Milan was central to Vanoni’s life, a hub where she forged friendships with artists like Alda Merini and politicians like bettino Craxi. Brera, the city’s historic district – a blend of chic and bohemian – was the heart of her world.
The Funeral
The funeral will be held on Monday at the church of San Marco.Already, figures from the entertainment world have begun arriving to pay their final respects, including singer Renato Zero. Composer and songwriter Mario Lavezzi, who produced several of Vanoni’s albums, left a large basket of white roses, stating, “I heard from her every day. I am devastated.” Many admirers, even those who didn’t know her personally, have also come to express their condolences. Senator for life Liliana Segre honored her friend with a card delivered to her home.Milanese politicians are also celebrating a great figure of the city, recognizing that “Milan loses one of its most brilliant daughters, but her voice and her indomitable spirit will remain.”