Resting in Grandeur — Discovering the World’s Most Iconic Cemeteries

Robert Louis Stevenson, essayist, poet, and travel writer, once wrote:

 “There is a certain frame of mind to which a cemetery is, if not an antidote, at least an alleviation. If you are in a fit of the blues, go nowhere else.”

Cemeteries are far from being mere final resting places for our departed loved ones. Like Stevenson, if you were to open to the experience, you may find cemeteries to be places rich with art, history, and culture — places that can soothe your soul and ignite your imagination. 

In this blog, we explore some of the world’s most iconic cemeteries and uncover their rich tapestries of stories, stunning art, and historical significance.

Discovering the Worlds Most Iconic Cemeteries

Highgate Cemetery

London, England 

London’s Highgate Cemetry is one of the country’s—and the world’s—most iconic and historic burial places. It’s known for its stunning architecture, lush green landscapes, and for being the final resting place for several famous personalities, including Karl Marx, author George Eliot, and poet Christina Rossetti. It was established in 1839 to help address the overcrowding of church graveyards and quickly became the preferred resting place of the Victorian elite. 

The cemetery is divided into two parts, East and West. The west is only accessible via a guided tour and is famous for its Victorian gothic architecture, which includes the Egyptian Avenue, the Terrace Catacombs, and the Circle of Lebanon. These majestic monuments, with their blend of Gothic revival and Egyptian architecture, showcase the fascination people in the Victorian era had for death and the afterlife. 

Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Paris, France 

While the Cimetière du Père Lachaise is the largest in the city of love and one of the most visited cemeteries in the world, there was a time when no one wanted to be buried there. In its first year, 1804, only 11 burials happened, as Parisians were reluctant to lay their loved ones to rest in this out-of-way location. That all changed when the remains of  Molière, Jean de La Fontaine, and Héloïse et Abélard, the famous star-crossed lovers of Paris, were moved here. 

Today, the cemetery has over 70,000 burial plots and holds the final resting place for Irish poet and writer Oscar Wilde, Polish composer Frédéric Chopin, and writer Marcel Proust, among others. 

The cemetery is renowned for its monuments and sculptures, which reflect various artistic styles, including Gothic and neo-classical. Meanwhile, its winding, cobblestone paths, and tree-lined avenues create a peaceful environment. 

The cemetery is also steeped in French history. Named after Père François de la Chaise, the confessor of King Louis XIV, it was also the site of fierce fighting during the Paris Commune of 1871. 

Cementerio de La Recoleta

Buenos Aires, Argentina

About 300 years ago, in 1732, Recollect monks settled in one particular area of Buenos Aires and built a church — the “Nuestra Señora del Pilar” (Our Lady of the Pillar). In 1822, the monks’ vegetable garden was turned into the city’s first public cemetery. 

Today, the Recoleta cemetery, also known as the “city of the dead” or “city of angels,” is like a city in itself, with a main street, narrow corridors, and several internal passageways. Its stunning architecture is a fusion of several styles, including neo-classical, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic. Walking around La Recoleta is akin to strolling down an open-air museum, taking in its grand vaults, intricate statues, and beautifully carved tombs. 

The cemetery is laid out in a grid pattern, with wide tree-lined avenues and narrow paths that invite exploration for hours on end. Its lush greenery offers a welcome respite from the bustling city scene, and under its tall trees lie the tombs of several prominent personalities, including:

  • Eva Peron (Evita), Argentina’s beloved first lady– who played a pivotal role in the country’s social reform in the last century 
  • Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, former Argentinian president, known for promoting education and modernization 
  • Luis Federico Leloir, the renowned biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1970 for his discovery of sugar nucleotides

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A

The Arlington National Cemetery is a revered and historically significant cemetery in America. It was established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, the former estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The cemetery spans over 624 acres and is the final resting place for over 400,000 military personnel and their families.

The cemetery is renowned for its serene atmosphere and impeccably maintained grounds. Amongst its rolling hills and majestic trees rest: 

  • The Unknown Soldier— An iconic monument that honors unidentified Americans who lost their lives fighting for their country. The memorial is guarded around the clock by the Tomb Guard of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
  • John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy, and two of their children 
  • Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated soldiers of WWII and later a Hollywood star. 

Arlington cemetery is divided into sections, each of which is marked by rows of uniform white headstones. It stands strong as a testament to the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Hollywood Forever

Los Angeles, California, U.S.A

In the heart of L.A. is one of the country’s most iconic cemeteries. Hollywood Forever was established in 1899 and sprawls over an area of 62 acres, right next to Paramaount Studios. 

The cemetery is the final resting place for many Hollywood stars, filmmakers, musicians, and other notable figures, including Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Mickey Rooney, Douglas Fairbanks, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and many more. 

Its connection to the entertainment industry and its picturesque setting have made it a cultural landmark, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world each year. Hollywood Forever is home to several beautiful monuments, mausoleums, and statues. Its lush green landscaped gardens are tranquil and invite you to pause and reflect upon the cemetery’s unique blend of history, celebrity culture, and artistic expression. Some notable structures include the Judy Garland Pavillion, the Cathedral Mausoleum, and the Abbey of the Psalms. 

Moreover, Hollywood Forever is not just a cemetery—it’s also a vibrant events hub, hosting several events each year, including:

Cinespia Film Screenings: These are outdoor screenings of classic and contemporary films projected on the mausoleum wall, creating a unique cinematic experience under the stars.

Dia de los Muertos: One of the largest Day of the Dead events, this day includes elaborate altars, traditional music, dance performances, and art installations that celebrate Mexican culture and honor the departed. 

Concerts and Performances: The cemetery’s Masonic Lodge and other venues within the grounds host a variety of concerts, theatrical performances, and community events. 

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is more than a resting place for the famous; it is a living, breathing part of Los Angeles culture. You can check their event calendar for all their upcoming events. 

Visiting these iconic cemeteries can help us forge deep connections to the past, as well as give us a profound appreciation for the art, history, and culture that they represent. 

Sources

https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/the-worlds-most-famous-cemeteries

https://hollywoodforever.com/events-calendar/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-10-historic-cemeteries-that-made-death-beautiful

https://www.timeout.com/usa/things-to-do/best-beautiful-cemeteries-in-usa