The cemetery doesn't necessarily mean it's a place of grief and sorrow. Many cemeteries in the world are actually beautiful and remain the main historical and cultural landmarks for visitors.
New Orleans, known for its quirky sights, also has such a place. It's called Lafayette National Cemetery No. 1., and in this article, we'll share ten fascinating things that make it a notable tourist attraction.
10 The Oldest Cemetery In Louisiana
If you want to learn about the history and traditions of New Orleans, Lafayette National Cemetery No. 1 is a great place to start your exploration. The cemetery was opened in 1883, making it the oldest in Louisiana. And, by the way, it's still functioning!
In the past, vandals had looted many tombs, but now, the cemetery is carefully protected. It has around 10,000 tombs and is on the National Register of Historic Places list.
9 Located In The Heart Of The Garden District
Lafayette National Cemetery No. 1 is located right in the center of the famous Garden District. This district has an abundance of magnificent mansions, fine-dining restaurants, and charming alleys. It's so fancy that even celebrities buy real estate there.
That's why, once you visit the cemetery, find some time to have a peaceful stroll in the Garden District, too. Marvel at fine examples of New Orleans architecture, and who knows, maybe during your walk, you'll bump into Sandra Bullock, Nicolas Cage, or John Goodman.
8 Origins Of The Name
In the 19th century, the place where the cemetery is located today was called the City of Lafayette. It was predominantly the district of the American elite that consisted of immigrants from the U.K. and the North.
In the second part of the 19th century, after the Civil War, the district officially became part of New Orleans and remains so until today. The City of Lafayette doesn't exist anymore, but it left a mark in history with the ongoing name of the cemetery.
7 Join A Guided Tour, And You Won't Regret
If you've ever been to New Orleans, you probably know it has plenty of eerie site tours. And if you want to add some to your bucket list, go for Lafayette National Cemetery No. 1.
There are many available tours (some of them also include a walk in the Garden District), which will tell you everything about the cemetery's rich history. You'll explore crypts and gravesides and discover their fascinating architecture.
6 One Of The Most Filmed Places In The City
There are many movie filming locations in the U.S., and guess what? Lafayette National Cemetery No. 1 is one of them!
Such movies as "Dracula 2000", "Interview With the Vampire," "Double Jeopardy," and the TV show "Your Honor" were filmed at this same cemetery. So, if you're a movie nerd, we highly recommend adding this New Orleans landmark to your must-see list.
5 Has Stunning Southern Gothic Architecture
Lafayette National Cemetery No. 1 is an incredible example of Southern Gothic architecture. Walking in the cemetery, you'll notice how majestic marvel tombs with unique details harmoniously coexist with the green trees surrounding them.
Many visitors note that there are many pretty and exciting details that you can find. Some of them are ornaments at the vaults and cast iron gates.
4 Author Of "Interview With The Vampire" Staged Her Funeral
Ann Rice, the queen of gothic fiction and the famous author of the book "Interview With A Vampire," used Lafayette National Cemetery No. 1 to fake her own... jazz funeral. That was in 1995, before the release of her new book.
Just as the jazz funeral tradition requires, Ann, dressed in a vintage dress, was carried in a coffin and accompanied by a brass band. Sadly, the author passed away in 2021 and is buried with her husband in New Orleans, in Metairie/Lake Lawn Cemetery.
3 Resting Place Of Soldiers
New Orleans has an exceptional history, and you can find different tombs at the cemetery. Some of them are dedicated to families that died from yellow fever and malaria, and others to soldiers who sacrificed their lives in wars (the American Civil War, World War I, World War II.)
2 "Year-And-A-Day" Tradition
In the past, people in New Orleans followed a strict mourning tradition called "year-and-a-day." It implied that a mourning person had to wear black and cover mirrors at home for the whole year.
Once the year was over, the person was allowed to rejoice and get back to life. Interestingly, this mourning custom served as the timetable for cremation. Besides, people also followed this timeline to know when the tomb could be opened again for another body.
1 Is Currently Closed
We've already mentioned that the cemetery is carefully protected as a National Historic Landmark. For this reason, it has been closed to the public due to repairs and improvements.
The official website of New Orleans doesn't have an opening date now, so we highly recommend checking this information before your trip to New Orleans.