A cemetery is a place of death, but it doesn’t mean it’s a dark and haunting place. Many cemeteries can pass as retreat areas, thanks to the calm they bring. After all, burial grounds are made to look like gardens, easily making them places of refuge – an oasis where finding the center is certain. Some cemeteries even invite visitors to picnic on-site.
There are many stunning cemeteries in the world, especially historic ones with unique tombs, majestic mausoleums, and famous “residents.” Many cemeteries are neglected and appear creepy, but some are well-maintained, with their architecture deserving praise. For tourists who want to experience something new – paranormal included – a visit to a cemetery is a must.
10/10 Waverley Cemetery, Australia
The Smithsonian Magazine names Waverley Cemetery in Sydney as one of the world’s most beautiful, so those visiting the Australian city should not miss it. This cemetery by the sea has been operating since 1877 and now has more than 100,000 residents.
This historic Sydney landmark is famous for its Victorian and Edwardian monuments, so when the management says that “every grave has a story,” they mean it. Walking tours can be had in this stunning destination, something to entice lovers of the past.
9/10 Père Lachaise, France
Père Lachaise in Paris is the “most-visited cemetery in the world,” and for good reason. After all, it has many unique tombs and is the final resting place of many renowned figures.
Among its prominent residents are singer Edith Piaf, novelist Marcel Proust, poet Oscar Wilde, and vocalist Jim Morrison. Those mentioned are just some of the biggest names in the necropolis, and there are more famous graves to explore.
This tourist attraction in the French capital is like a world on its own because it has 300,000 to one million residents. Add the quirky tombs, and a walking tour in this Parisian wonder is exciting.
Another French cemetery is worth a visit; travelers can spot cats and more at Montmartre Cemetery.
8/10 Old Jewish Cemetery, Czech Republic
Those visiting Prague should not limit their tours to the city’s architectural wonders because it has a cemetery so serene, it might as well be an oasis.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is the oldest surviving graveyard of its kind in Europe, and it has been around since the 15th century. As such, many prominent figures of the past are resting here, like rabbis.
The area looks hauntingly beautiful, especially the part where thousands of crumbling stones are grouped. This popular Prague destination should not be missed.
7/10 The Merry Cemetery, Romania
A graveyard in the village of Săpânța in Romania puts the fun in funeral. As the name suggests, the Merry Cemetery looks like a happy place, making it unique for an area related to death.
While tombs are always solemn, the ones in this European destination are adorned with colorful paintings depicting the life of the buried.
Atlas Obscura put its best: the gravestones in the Merry Cemetery are “darkly humorous.” Who would’ve thought that a cemetery could be Instagrammable?
6/10 Green-Wood Cemetery, USA
Recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful cemeteries, Green-Wood in New York City can match the beauty of the other parks of this urban jungle – perhaps even better because this graveyard offers peace.
In this NYC landmark, anyone can rest in peace, death excluded. Why so? Because this place is more than just a burial ground but a place to live life through art and history.
It has been around since 1838 and is now a National Historic Landmark. It has glacial ponds, valleys, hills, and pathways where tourists can stroll — away from the hustle and bustle of New York.
5/10 Hietaniemi Cemetery, Finland
Solemnity thrives in Hietaniemi not just because it’s a cemetery but because of those who are resting here. This destination is an important Helsinki landmark because it houses the tombs of many fallen war heroes, including unknown soldiers, artists, and statesmen.
It has been serving the nation since 1829 and as with other necropolises, it’s now a tourist attraction, thanks to its rich history. When visiting the Finnish capital, travelers might as well drop by Hietaniemi to pay their respects, all the while finding themselves.
4/10 Protestant Cemetery, Italy
As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. With that, tourists should not miss visiting one of the Italian capital’s landmarks: the Protestant Cemetery. Also known as the Non-Catholic Cemetery, this place possibly has the “highest density of famous and important graves anywhere in the world.”
Lovers of cemeteries should include this in their bucket list as there’s an abundance of surprises in this Italian charmer. Add the unique designs of mausoleums, and tourists will have a field day – literally – exploring this burial ground.
3/10 Okunoin Cemetery, Japan
Okunoin is Japan’s largest graveyard, and it’s in a mountain, that’s why some consider it eerie.
The lush Mount Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sacred destination for Buddhists because it houses the mausoleum of a monk that founded the area. This mossy destination is also the final resting place of some 200,000 monks.
BBC recommends that when visiting, “guests are encouraged to meditate, commune and eat vegetarian cuisine with the monks or nuns” – the living ones, just to be clear.
2/10 St. Andrews Cathedral, Scotland
When visiting St. Andrews Cathedral, tourists will be inspired as they appreciate the ruins of Scotland’s largest medieval church. It was constructed in 1130 and is dubbed the country’s “greatest cathedral.”
Aside from exploring the ruins and the museum, visitors can also have a solemn time checking out the burial ground, where a “White Lady” roams, as legends say. With or without that ghost, a visit to this stunning Scottish charmer will inspire tourists. After all, it faces the sea, so peace always happens here.
1/10 La Recoleta Cemetery, Argentina
The city of Buenos Aires markets La Recoleta Cemetery in this way: “Lose yourself for hours in this labyrinthine city of the dead.” Wandering around a graveyard might be scary for many, but it’s an enticing prospect for some.
This Argentina attraction, after all, is home to thousands of statues, coffins, crypts, and sarcophagi that will wow tourists. One of its most famous spots is the final resting place of former first lady Eva Peron. Conde Nast Traveler once said it was the world’s most beautiful cemetery, so exploring it is always worthwhile.
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