Colón Cemetery
A vast, ornate necropolis housing a million graves, showcasing diverse architectural styles and Havana's rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Colón Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, ornate necropolis housing a million graves, showcasing diverse architectural styles and Havana's rich history.
"An exceptional, haunting place far from the maddening crowds - essential deserted, just you and the dead."
💰 Low Entrance Fee
Non-Cubans pay around $100 CUP (approx. $2.50 USD). Tip reception staff for their work!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You'll need at least 3 hours to explore this vast necropolis.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Entrance
Main Gate
An ornate, Romanesque triple arch symbolizing the Holy Trinity, setting the tone for the grandeur within.
Architectural Mausoleums
Main Avenues
A stunning array of funerary monuments, sculptures, and mausoleums showcasing diverse architectural styles.
Firefighter's Monument
Specific Section
A poignant tribute to 17 firefighters who perished in the 1890 fire, a significant historical marker.
Alberto Yarini's Tomb
Specific Section
The resting place of the Cuban legend Alberto Yarini, adding a layer of local folklore to the visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Low Entrance Fee
Non-Cubans pay around $100 CUP (approx. $2.50 USD). Tip reception staff for their work!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You'll need at least 3 hours to explore this vast necropolis.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Recommended
Enhance your visit with a local guide to uncover hidden stories and historical context.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is extensive, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Low Entrance Fee
Non-Cubans pay around $100 CUP (approx. $2.50 USD). Tip reception staff for their work!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You'll need at least 3 hours to explore this vast necropolis.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Recommended
Enhance your visit with a local guide to uncover hidden stories and historical context.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is extensive, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
📸 Photography is Welcome
Capture the stunning architecture, but be mindful and respectful of the surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Colón Cemetery is widely praised as an impressive and hauntingly beautiful architectural and historical site, offering a unique glimpse into Havana's past. Visitors are captivated by the vast array of ornate mausoleums and the stories they hold, all at a remarkably low entrance fee. However, some areas show signs of under-maintenance, which, while adding to the atmosphere for some, detracts from the overall upkeep for others.
"Anyone interested in architecture and history should pay a visit to the cemetery. We spent around 3 hours there. Is that morbid? An impressive place. Unfortunately, the outside areas are not really looked after and a lot is destroyed."
Lobo Fumante
"An exceptional, haunting place far from the maddening crowds - essential deserted, just you and the dead. Extraordinary mausoleums, if many under-maintained. At 200 pesos, the entrance fee is ludicrously low for the experience. Consider tipping the under-paid reception staff as compensation!"
Dirk Kalff
"It is actually one of the most famous cemeteries in Old Havana.
It houses 17 fireman that died in the fire of 1890. There's a few other historical folks that are buried at the same location including Cuban Legend Alberto Yarini.
(Google him)
They charge $100 CUP (¢.50 USD) for Non-Cubans to visitors"
Josue Polanco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Colón Cemetery is located in Havana, Cuba. You can reach it by local taxi or as part of a taxi tour. Many visitors find a taxi tour to be a convenient and cost-effective way to visit, often including it as one of the first stops.
While public transport options might exist, taxis are generally the most recommended and practical way to reach the cemetery for tourists. This ensures ease of access and comfort.
The cemetery is vast. Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour to navigate the grounds and learn about its history. Alternatively, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking.
Yes, taxis are usually available outside the cemetery. It's advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey.
Colón Cemetery is a well-known landmark in Havana. Most taxi drivers will know its location. If you're using a navigation app, ensure you have the correct name: Necropolis de Colon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for non-Cubans is approximately 100 CUP (Cuban Pesos), which is about $2.50 USD. This is considered a very low price for the experience.
Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance upon arrival. It's advisable to have local currency (CUP) for the entrance fee.
The current entrance fee is already very low. Information on specific discounts for students or seniors is not widely available, but the standard fee is highly affordable.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the cemetery is open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or with your guide for the most up-to-date information.
There is no separate fee mentioned for photography, but always be respectful and discreet when taking pictures.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Colón Cemetery is an architectural marvel, featuring around 1 million graves with ornate mausoleums, sculptures, and memorials. It's a reflection of Havana's history and social changes.
Most visitors recommend spending at least 3 hours to fully appreciate the scale and detail of the cemetery.
While many mausoleums are impressive, some areas are under-maintained and show signs of wear and tear. This adds to the haunting atmosphere for some visitors.
Yes, the church within the cemetery is still in use. Be respectful if you encounter a funeral service during your visit.
Yes, notable figures include 17 firefighters who died in an 1890 fire and Cuban legend Alberto Yarini.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged due to the stunning architecture. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
The main entrance, the grand avenues lined with mausoleums, and unique sculptures offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Look for intricate details and grand structures.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful lighting for photography, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the monuments.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in cemeteries or sensitive historical sites without special permits. It's best to assume it's not allowed.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the mausoleums, while a prime lens can help with detailed shots of sculptures and inscriptions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to prepare children beforehand about the nature of the visit and to ensure they understand the need for quiet and respectful behavior. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for everyone, and bringing water is recommended, especially during warmer months. A guided tour can make the visit more engaging for younger visitors by providing simplified explanations and interesting anecdotes.
🏛️ Architecture & History Buffs
Consider hiring a local guide who specializes in history or architecture to gain deeper insights into the significance of various structures and the stories behind them. The cemetery's layout itself is a historical artifact, reflecting urban planning and social structures of different eras. Don't miss the chance to explore the main avenues where the most impressive monuments are located.
📸 Photographers
Focus on capturing the grandeur of the main entrance, the elaborate sculptures, unique tomb designs, and the overall atmosphere of the necropolis. Be mindful of the environment and avoid intrusive photography, especially if services are taking place. A wide-angle lens is useful for the scale, while a prime lens can capture the fine details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Tapestry of Necropolis de Colon
Each mausoleum tells a story, from the grand family crypts adorned with intricate sculptures and stained glass to the more modest, yet still artistic, memorials. The cemetery serves as an open-air museum, showcasing the evolution of funerary art and architecture in Cuba. It's a place where history is etched in stone, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and legacies of those interred within its walls.
Despite the beauty, many structures show signs of neglect, adding a poignant layer to the experience. This under-maintenance, while unfortunate, contributes to the cemetery's haunting and atmospheric charm. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the sheer scale and artistry, spending hours wandering through the silent avenues, discovering hidden gems and contemplating the passage of time.
Historical Significance and Notable Figures
Among its notable residents are the 17 firefighters who bravely lost their lives in the devastating fire of 1890, honored with a significant monument. The tomb of Alberto Yarini, a legendary figure in Havana's underworld, also draws interest, adding a touch of local folklore and intrigue to the historical narrative. Exploring these specific sites offers a deeper connection to Cuba's rich and complex history.
The cemetery also serves as a reminder of the social hierarchy that has existed in Cuba. The most opulent mausoleums belong to wealthy families and influential figures, while simpler graves are found in other sections. This visual representation of social standing makes Colón Cemetery a fascinating study of Cuban society throughout different eras.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit