St. Roch Cemetery & Chapel
A historic New Orleans cemetery featuring unique above-ground tombs and a chapel known for its 'miraculous cure' votive offerings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St. Roch Cemetery & Chapel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic New Orleans cemetery featuring unique above-ground tombs and a chapel known for its 'miraculous cure' votive offerings.
"A beautiful and unique historical site with a poignant chapel and distinctive burial traditions."
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds by arriving right when the gates open at 8:30 AM. Enjoy a tranquil visit.
🙏 Chapel Offerings
See the chapel's unique votive offerings; it's a powerful testament to faith and hope.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Chapel of Miraculous Cures
Inside the cemetery grounds
Famous for votive offerings of prosthetic body parts left by those seeking healing. A truly unique and poignant sight.
Above-Ground Marble Chambers
Throughout the cemetery
Witness the distinctive New Orleans burial style, necessitated by the city's below-sea-level elevation.
The Weeping Angel
Specific tomb within the cemetery
A striking and somber sculpture that draws many visitors. Look for this iconic, melancholic figure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds by arriving right when the gates open at 8:30 AM. Enjoy a tranquil visit.
🙏 Chapel Offerings
See the chapel's unique votive offerings; it's a powerful testament to faith and hope.
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
No pets, bikes, or food allowed. Keep noise to a minimum and be mindful of the sacred space.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The cemetery's architecture and history make for stunning photos, especially the unique tombs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds by arriving right when the gates open at 8:30 AM. Enjoy a tranquil visit.
🙏 Chapel Offerings
See the chapel's unique votive offerings; it's a powerful testament to faith and hope.
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
No pets, bikes, or food allowed. Keep noise to a minimum and be mindful of the sacred space.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The cemetery's architecture and history make for stunning photos, especially the unique tombs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find St. Roch Cemetery to be a beautiful and unique historical site, particularly appreciating the distinctive above-ground tombs and the poignant chapel with its votive offerings. Many note the peaceful atmosphere, especially when visiting early. Some reviews highlight deeply personal and emotional experiences, including weddings and family visits, underscoring the cemetery's profound impact. Occasional mentions of police presence suggest a focus on security.
"I came by here in the summer of 2024 to visit some of my ancestors {Perez & family}. We arrived first thing in the morning, just after the gate was unlocked. Local police seemed to be monitoring the area, which I thought was nice... I'm not sure if they patrol here every morning, but they were there the morning I was. I look forward to visiting again when I might have the opportunity to see inside the chapel."
Amber Clark
"Beautiful place! Came here alone on Christmas morning because my family wanted to stay in bed, currently in a bar by myself, texting “merry Christmas” to every one I know and witnessing New Orleans bar regulars exchange Christmas gifts and warm greetings
Life is beautiful
I want so much more of it"
haley
"Wonderful old cemetery. Note the inscription in German of Franz Grunder, born in Alsace. Also the Bohlen family, natives of Hanover, Germany (where I grew up). Note the German spelling of Hanover (Hannover with 2 "n")."
Nils Paellmann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Roch Cemetery is located at 1725 St. Roch Ave. in New Orleans. It's accessible by car, and ride-sharing services are a convenient option. Public transportation might also be available, so check local transit routes.
Yes, the cemetery has a distinct entrance and is generally easy to locate on St. Roch Avenue. Look for the historical markers and the chapel.
The cemetery is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven ground and gravel paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No guide is needed to enter St. Roch Cemetery, and there's no admission fee. It's open to the public for respectful visitation.
The cemetery is typically open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It's always a good idea to double-check hours before your visit, especially around holidays.
The chapel is a significant part of the cemetery. While it's visible from the grounds, access inside may be limited or by special arrangement.
Yes, pets, bikes, and food are not permitted inside the cemetery to maintain its solemn atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but always be respectful of the tombs and other visitors. Avoid intrusive photography, especially in the chapel area.
The chapel with its unique offerings, the striking mausoleums, and the iconic weeping angel statue are popular photo subjects.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and historical sites. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Established in 1874, St. Roch Cemetery is named after Saint Roch, the patron saint of epidemic diseases. It was created to provide a final resting place during yellow fever outbreaks.
Due to New Orleans' below-sea-level elevation and high water table, above-ground tombs (mausoleums and crypts) are the standard burial method to prevent flooding.
The chapel is famous for the votive offerings of prosthetic body parts left by individuals seeking miraculous cures, a tradition linked to Saint Roch's healing powers.
Like many old cemeteries, St. Roch has a reputation for being haunted, adding to its mystique and appeal for dark tourism enthusiasts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The chapel's story, while sensitive, can be explained in an age-appropriate manner, focusing on the concept of hope and healing. Remember to emphasize the importance of respectful behavior within the cemetery grounds. To make the visit more engaging for children, consider turning it into a scavenger hunt for specific tomb designs or historical markers. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as exploring the cemetery involves a good amount of walking. Pack water and snacks (to be consumed outside the cemetery) to keep energy levels up, and discuss the significance of cemeteries as places of remembrance before you go.
👻 Dark Tourism Enthusiasts
The cemetery's historical context, tied to epidemic outbreaks and the distinctive burial practices of New Orleans, adds layers of intrigue. Explore the cemetery with an open mind, appreciating its historical significance and the stories embedded within its tombs. The chapel's offerings are a particularly potent draw, providing a tangible connection to the hopes and fears of those who have come before. Consider visiting during the late afternoon for a more atmospheric experience, but always be mindful of the closing times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Chapel of Miraculous Cures: A Place of Faith and Votive Offerings
This practice creates a profoundly moving and somewhat eerie atmosphere within the chapel. It’s a powerful visual representation of human faith and the enduring hope for miraculous intervention. While the cemetery itself is a place of historical significance and architectural interest, the chapel's offerings transform it into a site of pilgrimage for many, offering a glimpse into deeply personal stories of suffering and resilience.
Visitors are encouraged to approach the chapel with reverence. While photography is often permitted, it's essential to be discreet and respectful of the sacred nature of the space and the personal significance of the items displayed. The chapel serves as a poignant reminder of the human desire for healing and the spiritual comfort found in faith.
New Orleans Burial Traditions: Above-Ground Tombs
The marble chambers and elaborate mausoleums found at St. Roch are not just functional but also serve as enduring monuments to families and individuals. Many of these tombs are ornately decorated, reflecting the architectural styles and social standings of the families interred within. Exploring the cemetery offers a visual history lesson in both funerary practices and the evolution of New Orleans' built environment.
This distinctive burial style contributes to the unique aesthetic of New Orleans cemeteries, often referred to as 'Cities of the Dead.' The above-ground nature of the tombs also makes them more accessible for preservation and visitation, allowing for a more intimate connection with the past.
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