City Of The Dead Cemetery Tour New Orleans
When you think of New Orleans, you might conjure up images of jazz music, Mardi Gras, and delicious Creole cuisine. However, one of the most unique and eerie attractions in the city is the City of the Dead Cemetery Tour. This tour allows visitors to explore some of the most fabled and historic graveyards in the city, while also learning about the fascinating history and culture of New Orleans.
The History of New Orleans' Cemeteries
One of the things that makes New Orleans' cemeteries so unique is that they are almost all above ground. Due to the city's location on the Mississippi River, much of it is below sea level. As a result, traditional underground graves would often flood and the caskets would float to the surface. The solution was to bury people above ground, with elaborate tombs and mausoleums built to accommodate multiple family members.
The oldest cemetery in New Orleans is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which dates back to 1789. Many notable figures are buried there, including Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, who is thought to have been one of the most powerful Voodoo priestesses in history.
The City of the Dead Cemetery Tour Experience
The City of the Dead Cemetery Tour is a two-hour guided walking tour that takes visitors through some of the most famous and historic cemeteries in New Orleans. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who will regale you with tales of the city's history and the people who are buried there.
One of the cemeteries you will visit on the tour is Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, which has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. The cemetery is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate tombs, and it also has a fascinating history. It was once the site of a yellow fever epidemic, and many people were buried there in mass graves.
Another cemetery you will visit is St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, which is home to the tomb of the famous jazz musician, Storyville-era brothel owner, and civil rights activist, E. J. Bellocq. The cemetery is also notable for its beautiful and ornate tombs, including the Marti family tomb, which is made entirely out of marble.
The Importance of Cemetery Preservation
Preserving New Orleans' cemeteries is crucial for maintaining the city's unique history and culture. In recent years, many of the city's cemeteries have fallen into disrepair, with crumbling tombs and overgrown vegetation. The City of the Dead Cemetery Tour helps to raise awareness about the importance of cemetery preservation and encourages visitors to support efforts to restore and maintain these historic sites.
Additionally, visitors to the City of the Dead Cemetery Tour are encouraged to respect the gravesites and tombs they visit. This includes refraining from touching or climbing on the tombs, and avoiding leaving any trash or litter behind.
Booking Your City of the Dead Cemetery Tour
If you're interested in booking the City of the Dead Cemetery Tour, there are a number of tour companies that offer this experience. Prices typically range from $25 to $40 per person, and tours run multiple times per day. Some companies also offer private tours and customized experiences.
Overall, the City of the Dead Cemetery Tour is a fascinating and unforgettable way to explore the history and culture of New Orleans. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of the macabre, or simply curious about this unique aspect of the city, this tour is not to be missed.