Cemeteries Worth Visiting While You Are Still Alive

For some people walking among the tombstones of a cemetery can be a bit somber or unnerving. While others may enjoy the undeniable sense of calm and peace. Either way, you can’t help but wonder what stories hide behind every tombstone. For us, they are places to appreciate, not just for the serenity and beauty, but for the history as well. Here are some highlights of the cemeteries worth visiting while you are still alive.

Some Cemeteries We’ve Found Intriguing

Colma, California, USA – “City of Souls”

Have you ever been to an actual necropolis, a “city of the dead”? If you are visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, California, our home, — set aside some time to explore Colma. A bustling necropolis in the middle of Silicon Valley, with a living population of 1,509 residents, and… 1.5 million “souls”!

Incorporated in 1924, Colma was established for one single purpose — to preserve and protect the human remains, particularly, the ones from San Francisco. In 1900 San Francisco put a stop to the in-ground burials within the city limits. So, between 1901 and 1947, most of the bodies buried in San Francisco were exhumed, shipped by trains to Colma, and reburied there.

With 18 cemeteries (even one for pets), spread throughout the rolling hills, the town of Colma is the only active necropolis in the US. It is a home to many familiar names. This is the resting place of Levi Strauss, William Hearst, Joe DiMaggio and Charles De Young, to name a few.

The simple unassuming grave, holding the ashes of Wyatt Earp and the love of his life, Josephine Sarah Marcus, is at the Hills of Eternity Memorial Park in Colma. The two met in Tombstone, Arizona and were married for 50 years. Wyatt Earp, a Wild West lawman, was the center of the legendary shootout at O.K. Corral. You’ve seen the movie “Tombstone”, right? 😊

Highgate Cemetery, London, UK

If you are looking for the “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything”, the answer is still: “42”. At the Highgate Cemetery in London there are the ashes of Douglas Adams, the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Galaxy. Along with the graves of George Elliot, Karl Marx, George Michael, and many other famous poets, artists and thinkers.

The tombstone of Patrick Caulfield, an English painter, is a piece of art in itself.

Highgate Cemetery has been on many “Top Places to Visit” lists, and for a reason. It is striking. Gothic Victorian tombs intertwined with Modern design, along with the ivy covered landscape and shadowy trees make for a perfect afternoon stroll. Founded in 1839, Highgate Cemetery is part of the “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries of London.

A couple of TIPS before you visit: 1) If you are using the Tube to get to the cemetery, do NOT get off at the Highgate station, unless you are into urban hiking. We didn’t know about the Archway station shortcut at the time. 2) There are two sections of Highgate Cemetery. There is East Highgate Cemetery (£4 entrance fee for adults), open daily, and then there is West Highgate Cemetery, that is only accessible via guided tours (£12 fee for adults, includes admission to the East Cemetery). Check out their website, and book the tour in advance, if you can.

Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh, UK

Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of our favorite places in Edinburgh, and definitely a cemetery worth visiting in your lifetime. Located just around the corner from the Royal Mile, it provides a place for quiet contemplation and somewhat of an escape from the busy shops and crowds.

Established in 1651, it is a resting place of many notable and some notorious people. Greyfriars Kirkyard is also considered one of the most haunted cemeteries in the world.

For example, “Covenanters’ Prison” section is only accessible through guided tours, due to multiple reports of supernatural activity.

One of the most famous graves here is, of course, Greyfriars’ Bobby. A loyal Skye Terrier who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years, until he himself passed away in 1872. You will see people leaving sticks and twigs by his tombstone. Because he was a good boy.

Montjuïc Cemetery, Barcelona, Spain

The beautiful (and a little creepy) Cementiri de Montjuïc in Barcelona, represents true Neo-Gothic Catalan architecture, which is what makes this place so unique.

With tombs varying from morbid to extravagant, this cemetery attracts visitors from around the world. If you plan to go, keep in mind it sits on a side of a steep hill, so wear your hiking shoes. And bring water! Also, if you have a ride there, be sure you arrange a ride back beforehand. Taxis generally won’t pick up passengers from the cemetery. Trust us on this.

At the main entrance of Montjuic Cemetery is the world’s only Hearse Museum, it’s one of our top 10 places to visit in Barcelona. The museum is open Saturday and Sunday only, and admission is free.

Poblenou Cemetery, Barcelona, Spain

Poblenou Cemetery is on the opposite side of Barcelona from Montjuic. This cemetery is probably best known for the “Kiss of Death” statue. We have seen a few photos of this sculpture in books and other media, so while we were visiting Barcelona, we had to go see it in person.

Once you find it ( it took us a while), as it is in the very back of Poblenou Cemetery, the sculpture will have you completely mesmerized. There is something profoundly hypnotic and unsettling about it. The sculpture was created in 1930.

The stone below reads Llaudet Soler, who died that year, but no date of birth. The first name is not mentioned on the stone. Online references point it to Joseph. But we can not confirm it. Who was he? When was he born? — Unknown. How has he died? — Unknown. Who was the sculptor? — Unconfirmed.

While we were at Poblenou cemetery, we also discovered the tombstone of the little Saint of Barcelona (El Santet). The little Saint was a local boy, Fransesc Canals Ambrós. Since childhood his aim was to help others as much as possible. Till this day people leave offerings, letters and prayers at the young man’s grave, asking for his help.

Cemeteries on Our Wish List to Visit

In this part of the post, we are sharing inspiring photos from our friends, who added these unique cemeteries to our itineraries for future travel destinations. Enjoy!

Merry Cemetery, Săpânța, Romania

We’ve been intrigued by Romania for years, especially the Maramureș region. When we make it there, the Merry Cemetery is a must-visit stop for us!

Its bright colors, the life (and death) stories, carved into wooden tombstones look like nothing we’ve ever seen!

The Chellah, Rabat, Morocco

These are historical ruins of the necropolis that was destroyed by the earthquake of Lisbon in 1774, and that is now on our list as well.

The walls of the ancient city that were abandoned by the Romans in 1150 are still standing. But the actual site was established much earlier by the Phoenicians. What a rarity to explore! Can’t wait!

Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Undoubtedly, the most famous tombstone at Recoleta Cemetery is of Eva Peron (Evita), where people still pay tribute to her. However, we are charmed by the sheer exquisiteness of the sculptures here.

Hauntingly beautiful, aren’t they?

Valley of the Temples, Oahu, Hawaii, US

We’ve been to the Hawaiian Islands multiple times, but haven’t really explored Oahu. The photos of Valley of the Temples really peaked our curiosity.

The Byodo-In Temple on the grounds of the cemetery looks breathtaking.

So many stories to discover!

Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles, California

Looping back to California, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of the top cemeteries worth visiting while you are still alive. Next time we drive down south, we’d love to pay respects to Chris Cornell, Johny Ramone, Rudolph Valentino, Judy Garland, and, of course, the memorial stone to Toto of “The Wizard of Oz”.

And see the resident peacocks too!

People often drive by a cemetery every day, but never pull inside to take a look around. We hope this post has inspired you to visit more historic cemeteries and memorial parks in your hometown or on your next trip. There are so many to explore, and you might be amazed at the stories and history you’ll uncover. Tai, Julie, Laura — thank you for the contributions to this post!

What cemeteries do you recommend to visit? We love hearing from you, so please comment below! And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog! HAPPY HALLOWEEN, everyone!