Moravian Cemetery - Image 1
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Moravian Cemetery

3.6
·42 reviews·, United States

A historic resting place with grand mausoleums, unique burial layouts, and cinematic fame. Explore legacies and serene landscapes.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Moravian Cemetery - Image 1

Moravian Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic resting place with grand mausoleums, unique burial layouts, and cinematic fame. Explore legacies and serene landscapes.

3.6
(42 reviews)

"Beautiful graveyard but there are devil worshippers here! There are pentagrams on the church window & tombstones!"

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🗺️ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vanderbilt Family Mausoleums

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)

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

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!

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

Moravian Cemetery is a place of quiet reflection. While photography is generally allowed, be mindful of ongoing services and private family plots. Some visitors note strict rules about what can be left at gravesites, so check current regulations before your visit. Reddit

Navigating the Grounds

This historic cemetery is quite large, with many notable gravesites, including prominent families and historical figures. Consider downloading a cemetery map beforehand or using a GPS-enabled app to locate specific areas of interest. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn Afternoons
Why
Beautiful foliage, crisp air
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Miracle store of a 300 year old tombstone! #moravian #moraviangrave #godsacre #ancestry #geneology #cemeterytok #gravetok #dna #supernatural #ancestorschallenge
@hotforhistory
152.8K likes • 1.5M views

🗺️ Download a Map

The cemetery is vast; a map is essential for finding specific gravesites. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Reddit

Mob gravesites in Staten Island, NY 🥀 #mobtok #moblegends #mobhistory #nychistory #statenisland #cemeteryexploring #cemeterytok
@iamveronicapearl
18.3K likes • 398.3K views
One of the many Vanderbilt graves at the Moravian Cemetery on Staten Island in New York City. #historiccemetery #history #statenisland #statenislandcemetery #statenislandgraveyard #statenislandvanderbilt
thelunaticsproject
42 likes • 605 views

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the history, but be mindful of private plots and services. Reddit

🤫 Quiet Reflection

This is a place of remembrance; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Reddit

Friday the 13th filming location: Moravian Cemetery in Blairstown, NJ. The sky was beautiful! ⛅️ . . . . . #fridaythe13th #jasonvoorhees #mrsvoorhees #horror #horrormovie #horrorfilm #filminglocation #slasher #slasherfilm #slashermovie #80shorror
iamveronicapearl
27 likes • 364 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Download a Map

The cemetery is vast; a map is essential for finding specific gravesites. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Reddit

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the history, but be mindful of private plots and services. Reddit

🤫 Quiet Reflection

This is a place of remembrance; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Reddit

🚗 Check Access Rules

Some areas may have restricted access or specific visiting hours. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.6
(42 reviews)

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

Historical significance
Beautiful architecture
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Strict rules
Inflexible policies

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram

Driving is a common way to access Moravian Cemetery, especially the Staten Island location. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

There is typically no admission fee to enter and walk through Moravian Cemetery. However, fees may apply for plot purchases or specific services. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Reddit

Some sections, particularly in Staten Island, offer walking trails that are also beautiful for hiking and reflection. Reddit

Yes, many visitors come to find ancestors or notable figures. Using a cemetery map or online grave finders can be very helpful. TikTokReddit

Many visitors find Moravian Cemetery to be a very peaceful and relaxing place for reflection and quiet contemplation. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted in Moravian Cemetery for personal use, but always be respectful of ongoing services and private family areas. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

You can photograph graves, but be mindful of the privacy of families who may be visiting. Avoid intrusive photography during services or private moments. Reddit

Visitors often capture historical architecture, unique gravestone art, and the tranquil, natural beauty of the cemetery grounds. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Moravian Cemetery can be a unique educational outing for families. The vast grounds offer space for children to explore (respectfully, of course), and the stories behind the famous graves, like the Vanderbilts, can spark their imagination. It's a chance to discuss history and the concept of remembrance in a tangible way. Instagram

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. Reddit

👻 Horror & Film Buffs

For fans of the 'Friday the 13th' franchise, the Moravian Cemetery in Blairstown, NJ, is a pilgrimage site. You can visit the very grounds where key scenes were filmed, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the classic slasher film. TikTokInstagram+2

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. Instagram

🔍 Genealogy Enthusiasts

Moravian Cemetery is a treasure trove for those researching their ancestry. With centuries of burials, it's possible to find records and gravestones of distant relatives. TikTok Online resources like 'Find a Grave' can be invaluable tools for locating specific plots before your visit. TikTok

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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Vanderbilt Legacy

Moravian Cemetery in Staten Island is famously the final resting place for many members of the Vanderbilt family. Their grand mausoleums are architectural marvels, reflecting the immense wealth and influence of the family during the Gilded Age. Visitors can explore these impressive structures, offering a glimpse into a significant chapter of American history. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Moravian Cemetery: A Multifaceted History

Moravian Cemeteries, particularly the one in Bethlehem, PA, are known for their unique 'God's Acre' layout. This communal burial ground reflects the Moravian belief in equality in death, with graves often arranged in simple, orderly rows without elaborate markers for many early congregants. This historical approach offers a different perspective on cemetery design and community. Instagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram+2

Navigating Visitor Experiences and Rules

While Moravian Cemetery is a place of historical significance and natural beauty, visitor experiences can vary. Some reviewers praise the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for reflection, finding it a relaxing place to walk and connect with history. Reddit The trails in some sections are also noted as being excellent for hiking. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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