To wander through the cemeteries of New Orleans is to step back into a past of hauntings, vampires, and endless lore. The veil between the living and the dead is thin in New Orleans.
NOLA’s cemeteries are a dark marriage of French and Spanish influences, with elaborate ironwork and hauntingly beautiful statues. These ‘Cities of the Dead’ are a testament to the city’s long, morbid heritage. Each step reveals a forgotten story—a name etched on a weathered tombstone or an elaborate family crypt.
Visiting cemeteries in New Orleans is a powerful experience that connects you to the city’s past and present.
These are 5 cemeteries in New Orleans you need to visit:
What is a City of the Dead in New Orleans?
New Orleans is famous for its above-ground burial sites, which are necessary due to its high water table. The vaults resemble houses, with rows that look like streets.
This gives cemeteries the look of a city, creating the nickname ‘Cities of the Dead.’
Metairie Cemetery
5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119
The first thing people get wrong about Metairie Cemetery is thinking that it’s located in nearby Metairie Lousiana, but it is actually within New Orleans city limits.
Since 1872, this cemetery has been reserved for the wealthiest and most famous New Orleanians. Metairie Cemetery is known for having some seriously beautiful sculptures and mausoleums, even by New Orleans standards. Gorgeous mausoleums with stained glass, a pyramid-shaped tomb, a sphynx- get your NOLA cemetery bingo list ready.
Tip: Don’t miss the ethereally beautiful stained glass at Laure Beauregard Larendon’s tomb.
Famous graves
- Anne Rice. Metairie cemetery is a can’t-miss if you love the Vampire Chronicles or the Mayfair Witches. Anne’s grave feels so welcoming; she’s glad you love her work and honored you came to see her. Or maybe I’m just projecting. Either way, go!
- Al Copeland. Founder of the Lousiana’s beloved Popeyes Chicken.
- Louis Prima. World-famous singer who played traditional New Orleans jazz, big-band swing, pop, and rock in the ’60s.
- Founders of some of New Orleans’s genre-defining restaurants, such as Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, Brennan’s, and Arnaud’s.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112
St. Louis No. 1 is the most popular cemetery in New Orleans and one of the most haunted in the US, active since 1789. Although this cemetery takes up an entire city block with over 100,000 graves, by far the most famous is the legendary Marie Laveau.
Besides its ghostly beauty, St. Louis No. 1 is known for its captivating houses of the dead.
Famous graves
- The VooDoo Queen Marie Laveau. Marie Laveau is a legendary voodoo priestess and influential figure in New Orleans history, beloved for her spiritual and healing practices.
- Homer Plessy. Plaintiff of The Supreme Court’s Plessy vs. Ferguson “separate but equal” decision.
- Nicholas Cage. Yes, the actor. No, he didn’t die, but he knows where he wants to be buried when he does. Cage commissioned a 9-ft tall white pyramid to be built, engraved with the Latin phrase, omnia ab uno, which translates to all for one.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
3421 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
What really makes St. Louis No. 3 stand out to me is the impressive marble work and noticeably long walkways, which make you feel like you’re in a city. You can also take a free guided tour of St. Louis No. 3, which is awesome since most cemeteries don’t have free tour options.
Famous graves
- E.J Bellocq. This photographer made Storyville locally famous.
- New Orleans chefs Leah Chase and Paul Prudhomme.
- James Gallier and James Gallier Jr. The famous architects are known for creating some of the grandest buildings in New Orleans, such as the Gallier House.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
3421 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 dominates the corner of Washington Avenue and Prytania Street, with its white walls and the large iron gate that begs you to step inside and explore.
Note: The city temporarily closed Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 for maintenance and repairs. Tours and public visits aren’t allowed until the cemetery reopens; a reopening date has not yet been announced.
What movies/TV were filmed at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1?
Many movies and TV have been filmed at Lafayette. Here are a few you’ll definitely recognize:
- Hard Target
- Interview with A Vampire
- Double Jeopardy
- The Originals
- NCIS New Orleans
Famous graves
Anne Rice has claimed Lafayette No. 1 as the final resting place for Lestat and the Mayfair Witches. If you’re a huge Anne Rice fan, you must visit!
Important:
St. Louis Cemetery No.1 can only be visited as part of a guided cemetery tour, with limited visitors allowed each day. My advice is to book ahead as soon as possible so you don’t miss out.
Saint Roch No. 1
1725 St Roch Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Saint Roch No. 1 is the least visited cemetery in New Orleans; you won’t need to compete with crowds of tours like at St. Louis No. 1.
Founded in 1874 during the New Orleans’ yellow fever outbreak, the church was named after St. Roch, the patron saint of protection from epidemics. The church’s people prayed to St. Roch for protection from the sickness, and none of them got ill.
They called it a miracle, named the cemetery after the saint, and built a chapel inside.
Local legend: The most popular ghost story at St. Roch is a large black dog that vanishes after being seen.
Cemetery Design and Symbols
There are a few hallmarks of NOLA cemeteries, such as above-ground vaults, secret symbolism, and more of that haunting beauty I keep mentioning.
Above-Ground Vaults
Above-ground tombs are built into a cemetery wall or in an above-ground tomb. When the death occurs, the corpse is positioned in the vault.
Remember, New Orleans is HOT, humid, and subtropical. Because of this, the corpse decomposes relatively quickly, and after about a year, all that’s left in the vault are bones.
Family Tombs
New Orleans family tombs contain entire generations of a single family and sometimes close friends of the family, extended relatives, or church members. The family tombs are usually extravagant, like miniature chapels or temples, with a running list of names and dates engraved.
Symbolism and Iconography
New Orleans cemeteries have a secret language etched in stone-
- Perpetual care. These markers are placed on New Orleans graves maintained by the Catholic Church. This option is cost-effective for many families, as maintaining this ancient gravestone isn’t cheap.
- Angel of Grief. The dramatic image of an angel weeping on the ground symbolizes the grief of the living left behind.
- Weeping willows. The teardrop shape of the leaves makes the tree look like it’s crying. The weeping willow symbolizes grief and mourning.
- Clasped hands. These signify farewell or last goodbye and prayer.
- Poppies. Besides being my fav flower, poppies are symbols of sleep because opium is made from them. Death is, after all, the eternal sleep.
- Flambeau (torch). This is a symbol of life when upright and a symbol of death when upside down.
- Shells. Any type of shell is used in Christian mythology to symbolize the journey through life and baptism in the church.
These are just a few of the common symbols you’ll see in NOLA’s cemeteries. If you see any on your trip, let me know below.
Note:
If you’re interested in learning more, I love this book because it also includes info about rare symbols.
Jazz Funerals
Few things are more New Orleans than a jazz funeral.
A jazz funeral is a celebration of life and death. The event begins at a church or funeral home, and then mourners, plus a live jazz band (yes, a live jazz band), lead the way to the cemetery.
The music starts heavy and sad but moves to light and celebratory.
The change of tone and beat are a ritualistic expression of mourning melting into celebration.
Frequently asked questions
Why are cemeteries in New Orleans famous?
The cemeteries in New Orleans are renowned for their above-ground tombs and distinct architecture, designed in response to the city’s high water table. These iconic “Cities of the Dead” hold rich historical significance and have been featured in numerous films and literature.
So, why are cemeteries in New Orleans famous? Simply put, they’re beautiful, romantic, and architecturally wonderful.
How many cemeteries are there in New Orleans?
New Orleans has over 40 cemeteries, each with their own history, charm, and legends. From well-known St. Louis cemeteries to smaller, hidden gems scattered throughout the city, New Orleans has a cemetery for every body, dead and alive.
What is the most beautiful cemetery in New Orleans?
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is known for its beauty and history, but many argue that Metairie Cemetery, with its elaborate tombs and less touristy atmosphere, is New Orleans’s most beautiful cemetery.
What is the most visited grave in New Orleans?
While there is no official St. Louis Cemetery No.1, The tomb of Marie Laveau in St. Louis No. 1 is probably the most visited grave in New Orleans because it is the most popular. Everyone wants to see where the voodoo queen herself is buried (although whether or not she is buried there is another mystery).
Are New Orleans Cemetery tours worth it?
Taking a tour of any New Orleans cemetery is so worth it. A guided tour will give you an insider look into the history, symbolism, and architectural wonder of these sacred spaces. Tours often share stories of those who rest there, making it an invaluable experience for any visitor.
I took this after-dark cemetery tour that included other creepy NOLA sites and loved it
I’ve also taken this free, self-guided walking tour of St. Louis No. 3 and highly recommend it! Either way, cemetery tours in New Orleans are more than worth it.
