From small family or churchyard plots, to mega parks; to military grounds to eco-friendly burying grounds, cemeteries are a part of the landscape and a part of life. In March, The Atlantic carried an article entitled “Our First Public Parks: The Forgotten History of Cemeteries” and an interview with Keith Eggener, author of Cemeteries. According to The Atlantic, "Eggener offers historical context, explaining how the living have interacted with these resting places for the dead.” The author reminds us that cemeteries did not always have the macabre association that they do now: “Keep in mind, the great rural cemeteries were built at a time when there weren't public parks, or art museums, or botanical gardens in American cities… People flocked to cemeteries for picnics, for hunting and shooting and carriage racing. These places became so popular that not only were guidebooks issued to guide visitors, but also all kinds of rules were posted."
IgoUgo members include visits to cemeteries in their travel itineraries. Whether we seek them out for their historical significance, genealogy research, or even as a kind of celebrity spotting, they do offer a moment of repose and a contemplative walk in the woods.
Highgate Cemetery, London
Sararevell writes, “One of Highgate’s biggest attractions is its beautiful Victorian cemetery where some 53,000 graves are spread over 37 acres of leafy land. It opened in 1839 during the reign of Queen Victoria and is split into ‘East’ and ‘West’ sides. It is still a working cemetery and is home to some distinguished people.”
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia
From stevewall, “Resting on the site of a former plantation house, its numerous granite and marble tombs cradled by ancient oaks dripping Spanish moss are the backdrop for John Berendt's Southern Gothic tale, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
Photo by Armed With Passport
Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh, Scotland
“Just off the George IV bridge is a quiet little graveyard that has entered into popular legend thanks to the machinations of a Victorian author called Eleanor Atkinson, a 20th century film maker called Walt Disney, and a 19th century Skye Terrier called Bobby,” writes Mutt.
Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, Paris
From wanderer 2005, “Pay your respects to your favorite actors, composers, poets, musicians and heads of state at Le Cimetière du Père-Lachaise. Jim Morrison, Frederic Chopin, Sarah Bernhardt, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde and many other famous names are all immortalized here. Pere Lachaise is unlike anything you've ever seen. It's a huge park with cobblestone walkways, huge trees and ornate mausoleums. Stained class, marble stone, delicate engraved headstones, I was amazed that this was a cemetery. It's a beautiful, serene place to walk around.”
Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires
SeenThat writes of the final resting place of Eva Perón, “Greek temples, pyramids, and chapels coexist peacefully in the La Recoleta Cemetery, the most fashionable place for rich Argentineans to be buried in. Ornate mausoleums in a myriad of styles and separated by streets, avenues and trees create an eerie and intriguing sight. Few would argue this cemetery is one of the most extraordinary ghost cities in the world.”
Photo by jim (Evita's Tomb)
Posted by Nik’sMom (Terre Grilli)