Lafayette Cemetery

kylebarber
kylebarber
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
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Reviews
11
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Lafayette Cemetery

  • July 6, 2006
  • Rated 3 of 5 by ronanusa from Goose Creek, South Carolina
This place was so sad to walk through. The walls were kind of falling apart along the sides. There were some beautiful statues though. The place looked so white and pure for a place of death. Also the tour guide told us some stories of family tombs. The bodies were placed inside and as one body disintegrated, others died and were added. Also, deaths were celebrated. People would go out for picnics and try to celebrate the dead.

From journal Pre-Katrina New Orleans

Walking amongst the Dead - Lafayette Cemetary

  • July 14, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by snowboarderx from norco, California
We took one of the many ghost and spirit tours that are available. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of New Orleans, which goes back three centuries. I would recommend that you research the history of New Orleans before you attend Mardi Gras to be able to fully understand what is going on.

From journal a rainy week in nawlins

Lafayette Cemetery

  • February 26, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by cookie888 from Portland, Oregon
Lafayette Cemetery

The Lafayette Cemetery is very old and very beautiful. Although not maintained as well as some of the bigger New Orleans cemeteries, Lafayette offers the perfect photo opportunities: old stones, angels, rustic views, lots of wrought iron. The dates go back to the mid-1800s. You can go there on your own, or with a tour. Only blocks away from the St. Charles Street Trolley (a very fun ride to the Garden District).

FYI: Lafayette is the cemetery Anne Rice features in her Vampire Chronicles.

From journal Cookie's adventures

Walking amongst the Dead - Lafayette Cemetary

  • January 5, 2003
  • Rated 3 of 5 by C_Wheel from Auckland, United Kingdom
There are two main cemeteries visited by tourists in New Orleans; this is one of them. I visited Lafayette Cemetery with a few friends and it was actually closed, but we squeezed through a gap in the railings (to the consternation of a tour group who just stood and watched us).

We wandered on around the avenue of white tombs by ourselves--it is a spooky experience. The tombs are set out in rows and are mostly taller than you. You wander down one row alone, and you don't know who else is around. Although there are still recent burials in Lafayette, a lot of the tombs are run-down and neglected, adding to the atmosphere. To make it even more perfect, we came across a black cat, sunning itself on one of the graves.

From journal Good Times in New Orleans

Editor Pick

Lafayette Cemetary Number 1- City of the Dead

  • August 2, 2002
  • Rated 3 of 5 by pointerbd from Norristown, Pennsylvania
Lafayette Cemetary Number 1- City of the Dead

Located in the charming and historic Garden District of New Orleans, Lafayette Cemetary Number 1, is easy to reach by streetcar and on foot. You definitely want to go on the walking tour with guide provided by Friends of the Cemetary. The donation of $6 dollars goes directly to maintain and restore the cemetary which had fallen into complete shambles before its current restoration. The ghostly presence associated with this nontraditional type of burial is felt the moment you enter the gates. There is a fascinating history surrounding the need for these above ground tombs and it is explained in graphic (but tasteful) detail by the knowledgeable guide. She pointed out and explained different examples of funerary art, Victorian customs, etc.. Really, the information gained has made my visit to any old cemetary all the more interesting. If you're lucky, you can observe a Front Line Jazz funeral procession taking place the day you are there.

As in any cemetary or religious site you are abserving as a visitor, you need to be respectful and courteous, as there will be family members visiting at the same time you are there.

Hot Tip-The tour is in the morning so make a reservation for lunch at Commander's Palace (just across the street from the main gate of cemetary). Lunch there is a more economical way to take advantage of some world class food at more reasonable prices.

At any rate, taking a guided tour of a "City of the Dead" is an interesting way to explore one of New Orleans' most famous sites.

From journal Spending "Joyeaux Noel" in the Big Easy!

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