7 Most Beautiful Cemeteries In The World
Some of the most haunting cemeteries have the most visual appeal. The combination of the spooky mystery and eerie tombstones create an amazing sight. Many cemeteries are very visually appealing and when the time is taken to enjoy the view, many will agree that they are not only eerie, but also very beautiful. Each cemetery listed below is unique, offering a diverse collection of ornate tombstones, crypts, wildlife and notable residents. Many also have a vivid history that only adds to the natural beauty. Each one is a must-see for those who are intrigued by cemeteries and the afterlife.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Savannah, Georgia
You are going to fall in love with the Southern Gothic-style tombstones found in the Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is known for being one of the most haunted destinations in the world, and the beauty of this cemetery only adds to the overall feel of a paranormal-themed vacation getaway. Many of the tombstones are framed by lush ferns, long moss and are surrounded by colorful flowers and dwarf palmettos. The long moss trees enhance the eerie feeling of this cemetery, but they also help add to the beauty of it as well. The combination of beauty and spooky is what probably helped the Bonaventure Cemetery make it on the cover of the novel "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." There are 100 acres to explore at the Bonaventure Cemetery and the Bonaventure Historical Society offers free weekend walking tours. Those wanting something a bit spookier will want to experience the Bonaventure After Hours Tour, where you might have a chance to see the ghostly figures that inhabit the cemetery.
St. Louis No. 1
New Orleans, Louisiana
The St. Louis No. 1 Cemetery is beautiful in its own unique way. Though it is not surrounded by lush gardens, lots of trees or filled with beautiful flowers, this cemetery is still one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. This above ground cemetery was built in New Orleans with floods in mind. The design was to help protect this below sea level cemetery from being destroyed every time a storm rolled through. However, the cemetery has been affected by weather over the years, which only enhances the spooky appeal.
St. Louis No. 1 is the oldest existing cemetery in New Orleans with residents dating back to the late 1700s. One of the most notable residents at this cemetery is Marie Laveau, a voodoo priestess. When visiting this cemetery you can explore among the many different above-ground tombs and take tours offered by local companies. Each of the tombs have ornate and unique designs, all of which help enhance the beauty of this cemetery.
La Recoleta Cemetery
Buenos Aires, Argentina
One of the top attractions in Buenos Aires is La Recoleta Cemetery. This cemetery is a must-visit on every tourist's list. In fact, many have found they spend hours wandering through this city of the dead. The above-ground mausoleums took over a preexisting cemetery back in the 1800s for the wealthy to have a place to be buried. The elaborate structures and designs contribute to the beauty of La Recoleta Cemetery.
When visiting this cemetery, you will be able to explore countless streets that are surrounded with marble sarcophagi, crypts filled with dusty coffins and impressive statues. La Recoleta Cemetery is home to past presidents, influential politicians, military heroes and other rich and famous citizens of Argentina. One of the most notable residents is former president of Argentina, Batolome Mitre. Free tours in English, as well as tours in other languages, are available on select days throughout the week.
Waverley Cemetery
Australia
Maybe it's the perpetually sunny skies or the sparkling ocean views from the cliffs that make the Waverly Cemetery so beautiful. This cemetery in Australia is found along the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee. Not only is the surrounding area beautiful, the cemetery itself is filled with luxuriously crafted Victorian and Edwardian monuments. This cemetery was created back in 1877 and is set on top of a cliff offering fantastic views of the cities below. The cemetery and the views from it are very photogenic and a great place to explore when visiting the area.
This cemetery is home to notable residents including poet Henry Lawson and writer Dorothea Mackellar. Waverly Cemetery is also home to more than 200 war graves from soldiers in various past conflicts, including some soldier who immigrated to Australia after the Civil War.
Highgate Cemetery
London, England
The Highgate Cemetery is listed as a Grade I on the Historic England Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. This cemetery is divided into two different sections — the East and West cemeteries. The fact that nature has taken over this cemetery is just one of the things that enhances its beauty. Walking through the Highgate Cemetery you will see above-ground tombs, decorative tombstones, overgrown brush and vines. This is definitely one of those cemeteries that is both beautiful and creepy.
Since its opening back in 1838, this cemetery has become home to many different residents, including royalty, world leaders and some of the rich and famous. One of the cemetery's most notable residents is Karl Marx, who is buried in the East Cemetery. The Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust help maintain the landscape of the cemetery. Volunteers from this organization also help offer guided tours of the cemetery.
Mount Royal Cemetery
Canada
The green scenery of the Mount Royal Cemetery is what makes it so beautiful. This 165-acre cemetery is surrounded by tall trees and has smaller trees scattered throughout the grounds. Depending upon the time of the year, small white flowers can be seen popping up from the lush green grass. The Mount Royal Cemetery is located on the North Slope of Mount Royal, which also gives visitors spectacular views of the rolling hills and valleys. Over the years, this cemetery has been turned into a beautiful garden, which has romanticized the notion of a city of the dead overlooking the city of the living.
Guided tours through the cemetery offer lessons in history as guests are shown the majestic monuments, statues and obelisks that have been erected in the Mount Royal Cemetery since it opened more than 150 years ago. In addition to the gravesites within the cemetery, there are also many different specimens of trees and shrubs that create an arboretum feeling within the Mount Royal Cemetery. The cemetery is designated as a National Historic Site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
Neptune Memorial Reef
Key Biscayne, Florida
Located just 3.25 miles off the east coast of Key Biscayne in Miami, Florida you will find the Neptune Memorial Reef. This is the largest man-made reef that has ever been conceived and covers more than 16 acres of barren ocean floor. What originally started off as an environmental project, has now turned into one of the most unique places in the world to visit lost loved ones. When exploring this undersea cemetery you will find artistic representations of the Lost City and other structures that promote coral and other marine life to grow. This cemetery is designated as a “Green Burial” opportunity and many marine scientists continue to study and discover new ways to help protect this underwater environment and encourage marine life growth. Visitors must be dive certified to visit the site and take care of their loved ones burial sites. If you are a certified diver, the Neptune Memorial Reef is a must-visit when in the Miami area.