
Moravian Cemetery
A historic resting place with grand mausoleums, unique burial layouts, and cinematic fame. Explore legacies and serene landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Moravian Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic resting place with grand mausoleums, unique burial layouts, and cinematic fame. Explore legacies and serene landscapes.
"Beautiful graveyard but there are devil worshippers here! There are pentagrams on the church window & tombstones!"

🗺️ Download a Map
The cemetery is vast; a map is essential for finding specific gravesites.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vanderbilt Family Mausoleums
Staten Island, NY
Glimpse the opulent final resting places of one of America's most famous families. A testament to wealth and legacy.

God's Acre (Bethlehem, PA)
Bethlehem, PA
Experience the unique 'God's Acre' layout, a historic Moravian burial ground with a serene, communal atmosphere.

Friday the 13th Filming Location
Blairstown, NJ
Visit the eerie setting for iconic scenes from the original 'Friday the 13th' horror film. A must for fans!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Download a Map
The cemetery is vast; a map is essential for finding specific gravesites.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the history, but be mindful of private plots and services.
🤫 Quiet Reflection
This is a place of remembrance; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download a Map
The cemetery is vast; a map is essential for finding specific gravesites.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the history, but be mindful of private plots and services.
🤫 Quiet Reflection
This is a place of remembrance; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
🚗 Check Access Rules
Some areas may have restricted access or specific visiting hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Moravian Cemetery is widely praised for its historical significance, architectural beauty, and serene atmosphere, offering a peaceful place for reflection and exploration. However, some visitors find the cemetery's rules regarding personal items at gravesites to be overly strict and inflexible, leading to frustration.
"I started occasionally walking in cemeteries in the past 2-3 years. I encourage everyone to do so. It is relaxing and gives me time to reflect and think about humanity. It also makes me feel closer to my little sister who passed prematurely and left me heartbroken in 2020.
This Peruvian cemetery is absolutely gorgeous and every tomb stone has a story to tell. The air is majestic and the trees are beautiful."
Fit A
"If you want to see the real mausoleum, you must come from the yellow park trail through the fence. There are some holes and signs of no trespassing but no one was actually there. Just don't do dumb stuff. Btw, the trails were brilliant as well if you just want to hike"
Maksim Bogdanov
"I have never seen or heard such disrespect from an owner of a cemetery... Why are people denied seeing their friends resting place SECURITY.. that graveyard is a mess and maybe the State of New York should look into this obcene rules.
Ask the courts to have owners pay for your loved ones to to be removed to a more peaceful place of rest where everyone they loved can honor them at will. ... This is very shady and I smell a rat"
Mary K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moravian Cemetery has multiple locations. The most well-known are in Staten Island, NY, and Bethlehem, PA. For Staten Island, public transport options include buses like the S51 or S79, or driving via the Staten Island Expressway. For Bethlehem, PA, it's accessible by car, with local bus routes also available.
Yes, in Staten Island, NY, several bus lines stop near the cemetery. In Bethlehem, PA, local bus services can get you close. It's always best to check current schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Driving is a common way to access Moravian Cemetery, especially the Staten Island location. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby.
Yes, there are several Moravian Cemeteries, notably in Staten Island, NY, and Bethlehem, PA. There's also Moravian High Acres in the Poconos, PA. Each has its own unique history and features.
Given the size, it's highly recommended to get a cemetery map. Some visitors suggest using GPS or a mapping app if available, or following signs for specific sections like the Vanderbilt plots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required to visit Moravian Cemetery. It's an active cemetery and often open to the public for respectful visitation during daylight hours.
Hours can vary by location and season. The Staten Island location is typically open daily from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to check the specific cemetery's official website or call ahead for the most accurate hours.
There is typically no admission fee to enter and walk through Moravian Cemetery. However, fees may apply for plot purchases or specific services.
Most areas are open for visitation, but some sections might be private or have restricted access. Visitors are asked to be respectful of ongoing services and private family plots.
Some visitors have noted strict rules regarding what can be left at gravesites, with items like flowers or flags sometimes being removed. It's best to inquire about specific regulations beforehand.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key highlights include the grand Vanderbilt family mausoleums on Staten Island, the historic 'God's Acre' in Bethlehem, PA, and its significance as a filming location for 'Friday the 13th' in Blairstown, NJ.
Yes, Moravian Cemetery offers many picturesque and historic photo opportunities, from elaborate mausoleums to serene landscapes. Remember to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
Some sections, particularly in Staten Island, offer walking trails that are also beautiful for hiking and reflection.
Yes, many visitors come to find ancestors or notable figures. Using a cemetery map or online grave finders can be very helpful.
Many visitors find Moravian Cemetery to be a very peaceful and relaxing place for reflection and quiet contemplation.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in Moravian Cemetery for personal use, but always be respectful of ongoing services and private family areas.
The elaborate Vanderbilt mausoleums, historic gravestones, and the serene landscapes offer excellent photographic opportunities. The unique layout of 'God's Acre' is also very photogenic.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in cemeteries to ensure the peace and privacy of visitors and those interred. It's best to assume drones are not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise.
You can photograph graves, but be mindful of the privacy of families who may be visiting. Avoid intrusive photography during services or private moments.
Visitors often capture historical architecture, unique gravestone art, and the tranquil, natural beauty of the cemetery grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, focus on the historical aspects and the beauty of the grounds. Keep the tone respectful and explain the importance of quiet behavior. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in designated areas if permitted, making it a more relaxed family experience.
👻 Horror & Film Buffs
Combine your visit with other local filming locations or attractions like the Blairstown Diner, which embraces its connection to the movie. It's a thrilling way to experience a piece of horror movie history firsthand.
🔍 Genealogy Enthusiasts
Be prepared for potentially weathered gravestones that may be difficult to read. Patience and a good eye are key. The cemetery's historical records, if accessible, can also provide deeper insights into family histories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vanderbilt Legacy
These tombs are not just burial sites but also works of art, often featuring intricate stonework, stained glass, and elaborate designs. The sheer scale and opulence of the Vanderbilt plots stand in stark contrast to many other graves, highlighting their prominent status. It's a powerful reminder of the historical figures who shaped the nation and are now memorialized within these hallowed grounds.
Moravian Cemetery: A Multifaceted History
Beyond its historical burial practices, Moravian Cemetery has also gained recognition for its role in popular culture. The cemetery in Blairstown, NJ, served as a filming location for the iconic 1980 horror film 'Friday the 13th.' This connection draws fans of the genre who wish to visit the atmospheric setting that contributed to the movie's chilling ambiance.
Navigating Visitor Experiences and Rules
However, other visitors have expressed frustration with what they perceive as overly strict rules. Complaints include restrictions on leaving personal items like flowers or flags at gravesites, and difficulties in communication with cemetery management regarding concerns. Some have even suggested seeking legal avenues for grave removal if dissatisfaction is high. It's important for visitors to be aware of these potential issues and to approach their visit with an understanding of the cemetery's operational policies.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit