7 Hauntingly Beautiful Graveyards and Cemeteries from Around the World
When we think of travel, bustling cities and sun-drenched beaches often come to mind. But for those with an affinity for the eerie and the historic, some of the most captivating destinations are graveyards and cemeteries. These resting places offer a serene yet haunting beauty that’s rich in history.
Here are seven of the most hauntingly beautiful graveyards and cemeteries from around the world that every travel enthusiast and photographer should visit.
1. Highgate Cemetery (London, England)
Age and Location: Established in 1839, Highgate Cemetery is located in North London.
What Makes it Special: Known for its Gothic architecture and overgrown pathways, Highgate Cemetery is a haven for history and architecture buffs. The cemetery is divided into the East and West sides, with the West being particularly famous for its elaborate tombs and mausoleums.
Noteworthy Burials: The final resting place of Karl Marx, George Eliot, and Douglas Adams, Highgate Cemetery is steeped in literary and political history.
2. La Recoleta Cemetery (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Age and Location: Founded in 1822, La Recoleta Cemetery is situated in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
What Makes it Special: This cemetery is renowned for its stunning statues, intricate mausoleums, and labyrinthine walkways. It’s often considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world.
Noteworthy Burials: La Recoleta is the final resting place of , surrounded by ancient cedar trees. It, also known as Evita, making it a significant site for Argentine history.
3. Okunoin Cemetery (Mount Koya, Japan)
Age and Location: Dating back to the late 9th century, Okunoin Cemetery is located on Mount Koya in Japan.
What Makes it Special: Okunoin is Japan’s largest cemetery, surrounded by ancient cedar trees. It is a sacred space in Shingon Buddhism and is known for its tranquil beauty.
Noteworthy Burials: Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, is enshrined here, making it an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
4. Père Lachaise Cemetery (Paris, France)
Age and Location: Established in 1804, this cemetery is located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris.
What Makes it Special: Père Lachaise is the most visited cemetery in the world, famous for its picturesque cobblestone paths, towering trees, and artistic monuments.
Noteworthy Burials: Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf are among the famous personalities buried here, drawing fans and historians alike.
5. Bonaventure Cemetery (Savannah, Georgia, USA)
Age and Location: Established in 1846, Bonaventure Cemetery is located on the outskirts of Savannah, Georgia.
What Makes it Special: Known for its Southern Gothic charm, draped in Spanish moss, Bonaventure Cemetery offers a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
Why It’s Noteworthy: The cemetery gained fame from John Berendt’s novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Notable figures like lyricist Johnny Mercer are buried here.
6. Mirogoj Cemetery (Zagreb, Croatia)
Age and Location: Opened in 1876, Mirogoj Cemetery is located in the Croatian capital of Zagreb.
What Makes it Special: Mirogoj is famous for its arcades, domes, and grand entrance designed by architect Hermann Bollé. It’s considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe.
Noteworthy Burials: The cemetery is the final resting place for many prominent Croatians, including first President Franjo Tuđman.
7. Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, Virginia, USA)
Age and Location: Established during the American Civil War in 1864, Arlington National Cemetery is located in Arlington, Virginia.
What Makes it Special: This military cemetery honors American soldiers and hosts the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is a place of national reverence and history.
Noteworthy Burials: John F. Kennedy, along with many other notable military figures, is buried here. The eternal flame at his gravesite is a significant symbol of his enduring legacy.
Final Thoughts
Graveyards and cemeteries are more than just resting places for the deceased; they are sanctuaries of history, art, and culture. Each one tells a story, not just of the individuals buried there, but of the eras and communities that built them. For travel enthusiasts and photographers, these sites offer a unique blend of beauty and history that is both haunting and inspiring.
