Chapel of Ease Ruins - Image 1
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Chapel of Ease Ruins

4.8
·435 reviews·Saint Helena Island, United States

Fire-damaged 18th-century chapel ruins with unique seashell walls and an intriguing mausoleum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Chapel of Ease Ruins - Image 1

Chapel of Ease Ruins

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Fire-damaged 18th-century chapel ruins with unique seashell walls and an intriguing mausoleum.

4.8
(435 reviews)

"Such a beautiful piece of history hidden away on the side of the road."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bug Spray is a Must! 🦟

Don't let insects ruin your visit; bring strong repellent.

Wear Sturdy Shoes 👟

The grounds can be uneven with debris.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ruined Chapel Structure

Ruined Chapel Structure

Main chapel area

Explore the fire-damaged 18th-century Anglican chapel, a poignant reminder of its past.

Fripp Crypt and Mausoleum

Fripp Crypt and Mausoleum

Near the chapel

Discover the intriguing Egyptian Revival mausoleum with open caskets and nearby gravestones.

Seashell-Infused Walls

Seashell-Infused Walls

Exterior walls of the chapel

Feel the unique texture of the walls, constructed with a cement mixture incorporating seashells.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Atmosphere

The Chapel of Ease Ruins offer a unique glimpse into history, but be prepared for an immersive experience. Many visitors find the atmosphere captivating, especially when exploring the weathered walls and surrounding gravestones. Consider visiting during a quieter time to fully appreciate the tranquility and historical significance.

Prepare for the Elements

Bugs can be a significant deterrent, as noted by some visitors. Bringing insect repellent is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable exploration. The site is not extensively maintained, so wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of uneven terrain and debris, especially around the open caskets in the mausoleum.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#sainthelena #History #historytok #blackhistory #BlackTikTok #worldhistory #africa #africanhistory #napoleon
@ooopolish
93K likes • 451.6K views

Bug Spray is a Must! 🦟

Don't let insects ruin your visit; bring strong repellent. Reddit

Wear Sturdy Shoes 👟

The grounds can be uneven with debris. Reddit

Napoleon had been exiled on the Island of St Helena for 5 years, 6 months, and 20 days before he died. On May 3rd he was given an anointing of the sick, or extreme unction by one of his chaplains and at 5:50 pm on May 5th 1821 at the age of 51 Napoleon breathed his last breath. He was buried underneath some willow trees near a spring at palace called Geranium Valley on St Helena. And there it sta...
@evelyn.edwards1
20.9K likes • 337.5K views
Some ruins hold stories. This one refuses to stay quiet. On St. Helena Island, the Chapel of Ease was abandoned after the Civil War and left in ruins after a fire. Since then, strange sounds and stranger events have surrounded it. And then there’s the Fripp crypt where the dead don’t seem to want to be shut in. #ChapelOfEase #HauntedHistory #SouthCarolina #StHelenaIsland
@shannonballard_
19.4K likes • 255.4K views

Explore the Gravestones 🪦

Many are broken but offer historical insights. Reddit

Respect the Site 🙏

Help keep this beautiful piece of history clean and preserved. Reddit

reddit.com

10 days to do South Carolina - Missing anything? Beaches?

Tips

from all over the internet

Bug Spray is a Must! 🦟

Don't let insects ruin your visit; bring strong repellent. Reddit

Wear Sturdy Shoes 👟

The grounds can be uneven with debris. Reddit

Explore the Gravestones 🪦

Many are broken but offer historical insights. Reddit

Respect the Site 🙏

Help keep this beautiful piece of history clean and preserved. Reddit

Capture the Atmosphere 📸

The ruins offer a unique and tranquil photographic experience. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(435 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Chapel of Ease Ruins to be an interesting historical site, particularly appreciating its unique seashell walls and tranquil atmosphere. While some note it's not well-maintained and can be plagued by bugs, many are drawn to its atmospheric charm and the intriguing mausoleum, making it a worthwhile stop for those in the area.

"Interesting if you are nearby. The bugs were awful the day we went so we weren’t able to stay long. The Egyptian Revival funerary style mausoleum is a little creepy with the area for three caskets open with loose debris visible. Not well maintained but interesting."

Sarah Butler

"It's worth a visit only if you are in the area. There's one sign that says you have to get permission to have an event here... no historical info
The structure is made of a cement mixture with seashells. Looks like there was a smooth cement finish at one time evident on the upper walls
Several gravestone nearby that are mostly broken and difficult to read."

Patrick Biggar

"Such a beautiful piece of history hidden away on the side of the road. We stopped by for a few minutes to explore, and ended up spending almost an hour there. We loved feeling the seashells on the bones of the Parish. There were dozens of headstones to read. The whole atmosphere of the area had a tranquil feel to it, and drew us in. We didn't want to leave. The grounds welcomed us like an old friend. Take a little time to explore the grounds for yourself! Definitely worth a stop."

Sierra McAbee

What People Like

Unique seashell walls
Tranquil atmosphere
Historical intrigue

What People Dislike

Bugs
Uneven maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Chapel of Ease Ruins are often described as being 'hidden away on the side of the road'.Reddit While specific public transport details are scarce, it's generally accessible by car. Visitors often stop by for a few minutes as part of a larger tour of the area, suggesting it's a convenient stop if you're exploring the surrounding region. Reddit

Information regarding dedicated parking is limited. However, given its roadside location, it's likely that visitors can find informal parking nearby. It's advisable to be cautious and respectful of any local regulations. Reddit

While it's a 'beautiful piece of history,' it's often visited as a brief stop rather than a primary destination. Some reviews suggest it's 'worth a visit only if you are in the area.' Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of admission fees or tickets required for the Chapel of Ease Ruins. It appears to be an open historical site accessible to the public. Reddit

As an open-air historical site, there are no set opening or closing hours. Visitors can explore the ruins at their own pace, though it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Reddit

One sign indicates that permission is required to have an event at the site. It's best to inquire with local authorities or historical societies if you are considering an event. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can explore the fire-damaged structure of the 18th-century chapel, discover nearby gravestones (many broken), and see the unique Egyptian Revival mausoleum with open caskets. The walls are notably made from a cement mixture with seashells. TikTokReddit

Reviews suggest the site is 'not well maintained' but also that 'the grounds welcomed us like an old friend' and 'the property is well maintained and clean' in some instances. It's advisable to be prepared for some unevenness and debris. Reddit

One review mentioned 'no historical info' beyond a sign about events. Visitors may want to do some research beforehand to fully appreciate the history. Reddit

Some sources describe 'strange sounds and stranger events' surrounding the ruins, particularly mentioning the Fripp crypt. This adds to the site's mysterious allure for some visitors. TikTok

Take your time to explore the grounds, feel the seashells in the walls, and imagine the history. Many visitors find the atmosphere tranquil and magical, especially when alone. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ruined chapel structure itself, the unique seashell walls, and the atmospheric gravestones offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Egyptian Revival mausoleum also provides a striking, albeit somber, subject. InstagramReddit

There are no restrictions mentioned regarding photography. Visitors are encouraged to capture the unique historical ambiance of the site. Reddit

Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' can provide beautiful lighting for the ruins. However, the tranquil atmosphere on a quiet, rainy day also offers a unique photographic mood. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Chapel of Ease Ruins can be an interesting stop for families, offering a tangible connection to history. However, parents should be aware of the potential for insects and uneven terrain, so bringing bug spray and ensuring children wear appropriate footwear is essential. Reddit The open caskets in the mausoleum might be unsettling for very young children, so gauge your child's sensitivity before exploring that area closely. Reddit

Focus on the unique seashell walls and the many gravestones as points of interest. Encourage children to imagine the lives of people who lived centuries ago. The tranquil atmosphere can be a peaceful break during a day of sightseeing, provided everyone is comfortable and prepared for the natural elements. Reddit

👻 Ghost Hunters and Paranormal Enthusiasts

For those drawn to the supernatural, the Chapel of Ease Ruins offer a compelling narrative. The site is rumored to have 'strange sounds and stranger events,' with particular attention paid to the Fripp crypt where 'the dead don't seem to want to be shut in.' TikTok The presence of open caskets in the mausoleum adds to the eerie ambiance. Reddit

Visiting during quieter times, like weekday mornings or late afternoons, might enhance the spooky atmosphere. While there's no official confirmation of paranormal activity, the historical context and the ruins' isolated nature provide fertile ground for speculation and exploration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of the Chapel of Ease

The Chapel of Ease Ruins represent a significant historical site, particularly within the context of the 18th century. Originally an Anglican place of worship, its structure, made from a unique cement mixture with seashells, speaks to the local building materials and practices of the time. The fire damage and subsequent abandonment after the Civil War have left it in its current state of picturesque ruin. TikTok

Beyond its architectural history, the site is also associated with the Fripp crypt and mausoleum, which adds a layer of intrigue. The mention of open caskets and the 'dead don't seem to want to be shut in' contributes to the site's reputation for being haunted or having strange occurrences. TikTok This blend of historical architecture and local lore makes the Chapel of Ease Ruins a compelling destination for those interested in history and the supernatural. Reddit

While not as widely known as some other historical landmarks, the Chapel of Ease Ruins hold a unique place in local history. Its discovery and preservation, even in its ruined state, offer a tangible connection to the past. The site's ability to evoke a sense of tranquility and historical reflection is a key draw for visitors who appreciate its quiet, atmospheric presence. Reddit

Navigating the Grounds and Avoiding Pests

Visiting the Chapel of Ease Ruins requires a degree of preparedness, especially concerning the natural environment. Several visitors have noted that the 'bugs were awful' on their visit, making it difficult to stay long. Reddit This highlights the importance of bringing effective insect repellent to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable exploration of the site. The grounds themselves can be uneven, with debris present, so wearing sturdy shoes is a practical recommendation for navigating safely. Reddit

While the site is described as 'well maintained and clean' by some, others note it's 'not well maintained.' Reddit This suggests that visitors should exercise caution, particularly around the mausoleum area where 'loose debris' is visible and the 'area for three caskets open.' Reddit Being mindful of your surroundings and taking your time to explore will help you appreciate the historical elements without encountering any unexpected hazards. Reddit

The unique construction of the chapel walls, incorporating seashells, is a tactile experience that many visitors enjoy. Reddit Despite the potential for bugs and uneven terrain, the overall atmosphere is often described as tranquil and magical, drawing visitors in to spend more time than initially planned. Reddit

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