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 Crypts of the Dead by VeronicaG
Crypts provide a beautiful resting place and put an end to coffins rising up from the ground each time flooding is experienced. St. Louis cemetery #3 somewhat reminded us of Argentina, where we visited a very famous cemetery, Recoleta, where only the upper crust or the famous were permitted to lie within these elegant crypts.
Cautioned not to explore any of the cemeteries alone, we were able to do so through Tours by Isabelle. We skirted the edges of the cemetery, paying mind to the various styles of crypts but not venturing into the center of this city of the dead. Address: 3421 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA
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St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Founded in 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the final resting place of some of the most notable citizens of New Orleans. You will see the famed "oven wall vaults" where the notorious "Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau" is enterred. Etienne de Bore, pioneer in sugar development; Daniel Clark, financial supporter of the American Revolution; Paul Morphy, former world Chess Champion are but a few of the local giants buried here. New Orleans' French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese immigrants are buried in lavish crypts here and there are many stories to be told.
Meet your guide on SUNDAYS ONLY at the Royal Blend Coffee Shop at 621 Royal Street. Tours are 1.5 hours. "Suggested " donations are $12 adult; $10 Senior Citizens; $6 students 12 -18; FREE children under 12.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
The younger Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 founded in 1833, has been in continuous use ever since. Located in the beautiful "Garden District" and was once part & parcel of Livaudais Plantation, this cemetery was layed out so as to accommodate funeral processions by intersecting avenues, and was the city's first "planned" cemetery. Its history, location and architectural significance led to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 being placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tours leave from the cemetery's main gate on the 1400 block of Washingon Avenue (15 minute street car ride from Canal Street ~ St. Charles Avnue Line) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. sharp! Also no reservations; space limited. Tours are 1 hr. Suggested donation is $6 adults; $5 Senior Citizens & students; children 12 and under FREE. Leave a Comment
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I had heard about the above ground burials that were flooded and so wanted to see what happened. Most cemetaries appeared to have survived the flooding due to the heavy materials of which they are made. A few tombs need some expensive repair though. I didn't have time to survey the entire graveyard, but it appeared to be intact after Katrina Leave a Comment Address: Metairie CemetaryDirections: Near junction of Pontchratrain and City Park Blvds
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 by starship
New Orleans inhabitants often refer to their cemeteries as Cities of the Dead. They are quite unique but not totally uncommon. They are definitely an important part of New Orleans' heritage and are architecturally and historically significant as indicated by the fact that at least 2 of the oldest, and most notable have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This cemeteries consists of crypts above ground because New Orleans lies below sea level...digging graves in this area would mean striking water and floating caskets and hence, crypts are naturally above ground structures. These crypts, dating to the 18th, 19th and early 20th century, are the resting places of some of quite famous people.
See more details in Part II. Leave a Comment
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 St. Louis Cemetery #1 - New
Orleans, Louisiana by saccharinicity, 4 more photos
There are a few more notable cemeteries to try to check out while staying in New Orleans, and if you have a chance to go off and discover any others, the more fun to be had.
St. Louis Cemeteries 1&2 are both located north of the Quarter past Rampart.
#1 is the oldest in the city founded in 1798 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. It is located right north of Rampart. The main attraction is the tomb of the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau marked with XXXs and strewn with gifts for the queen.
#2 is 3 more blocks north in what is known as a sketchy part of the city. I would personally just stick with visiting #1.
The Lafayette Cemetery #1 is located in the Garden district and is most-often used in movies being filmed in New Orleans. The entrance is on Washington between Prytania and Coliseum and the Commanders Palace restaurant is right across the street.
There are of course a number of other cemeteries in the city that you can check out but these are the most noted.
It is of utmost importantance that you heed the warning of never visiting these cemeteries alone, or at night. It is not a matter of being "gutsy" and sneaking into a cemetery at night, it is that the cemeteries are one of the most dangerous places in New Orleans. If you are a lone traveler there are many cemetery tours available to you.
DO NOT go in at night. Leave a Comment
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 Lafayette Cemetary No. 1 by emilienoelleLeave a Comment Directions: All over the city
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The above-ground tombs in the cemeteries of New Orleans are often referred to as "cities of the dead."
Votive candles line tombs on holidays to remind you the Dead have living relatives that still care.
Early settlers in the area struggled with different methods to bury the dead. Burial plots are shallow in New Orleans because the water table is high. Dig a few feet down, and the grave becomes soggy, filling with water. The casket will literally float. You just can't keep a good person down!
The early settlers tried by placing stones in and on top of coffins to weigh them down and keep them underground. Unfortunately, after a rainstorm, the rising water table would literally pop the airtight coffins out of the ground. To this day, unpredictable flooding still lifts an occasional coffin out of the ground in those areas generally considered safe from flooding and above the water table.
Another method tried was to bore holes in the coffins. This method also proved to be unsuitable. Eventually, New Orleans' graves were kept above ground following the Spanish custom of using vaults.
The walls of these cemeteries are made up of economical vaults that are stacked on top of one another. The rich and wealthier families could afford the larger ornate tombs with crypts. Many family tombs look like miniature houses complete with iron fences. The rows of tombs resemble streets. New Orleans burial plots quickly became known as "Cites of the Dead."
On your way into New Orleans from the airport, you can glimpse the newer Metairie Cemeteries.
Caution: The "Cities of the Dead" are alluring, but dangerous. Don't go there alone-- travel with a group or arrange to attend a tour. The narrow paths and tombs offer concealment for muggers.
Tours of the cemeteries are conducted by several tour companies; these tours are definitely unique, and are worth the memories!
IF YOU LIKE MY TIP, PLEASE GIVE POSITIVE FEEDBACK, THANKS Leave a Comment Directions: The older and more dilapidated cemeteries are St. Louis No. 1, 2 and 3, located near the French Quarter.
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 The Ovens by CoAir13
Muggers have been known to take advantage of the many hiding places, so travel with a group is best. Walking tours are offered....information is everywhere! If tours aren't your thing, go in the morning and eavesdrop on one of the MANY tours that pass through. Leave a Comment Directions: St. Louis I,II, and III are all within walking distance of the French Quarter. Check your hotel for brochures.
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 by littlesam1Leave a Comment
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Metairie Cemetery-very beautiful OLD graves. Would recommend 2 ways to see the cemetary-1-drive your car thru (lock doors), 2-guided tour. A whose-who is buried here Leave a Comment
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