This is New Orleans oldest surviving cemetery. If you visit only one cemetery in New Orleans- this is the one. Founded a year after a flood, an epidemic and a fire destroyed a large part of the city. Surrounded by wall vaults, filled with crumbling tombs, this is New Orleans' City of the Dead. The jumbled maze-like paths will remind you that death does not always wait for a planned and orderly cemetery. Creoles, Americans, Slaves, Immigrants, Catholic, Protestant, all are buried within these walls. Spanish influence in the architecture predominates- the wall (oven) vaults, wrought and cast iron, plaster over brick. Tombs of interest include the family tomb of creole character Bernard de Marigny, who when bankrupt, sold his plantation and the Marigny district was created. He also named some of the city's streets- Desire, Elysian Fields, Craps, Pleasure, Duels, Piety and more. Also the Glapion tomb (descendants of Marie Laveau and the reputed resting place of the Queen herself) and the Italian Mutual Benovolent Society tomb as seen in "Easy Rider". I highly recommend a group excursion or tour for this cemetery as it is in a crime-ridden area.

Located at Basin and St. Louis streets

Hours:
Monday through Saturday, 9:00 to 3:00
Sunday, 9:00 to 12:00

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