The Most Beautiful Cemetery in the World, Ranked

Choose the cemetery you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 21, 2024 06:17
Cemeteries, with their serene landscapes and historical significance, evoke a unique sense of beauty and tranquility. While some may overlook these sacred places when it comes to beauty, others find a profound aesthetic appeal in their quiet, sculptured grounds. Recognizing and ranking the most beautiful cemetery in the world offers a thoughtful reflection on how different cultures celebrate and commemorate life. By casting a vote for the most beautiful cemetery, individuals contribute to a collective appreciation of these distinguished locales. This not only highlights their historical and cultural richness but also elevates public awareness about the artistic and environmental significance of these spaces. Every vote is an insight into what people value in these serene sanctuaries.

What Is the Most Beautiful Cemetery in the World?

  1. 1
    62
    votes
    Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France
    Pierre-Yves Beaudouin · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The final resting place of many famous individuals, including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf. The cemetery features beautiful sculptures and mausoleums.
    The Père Lachaise Cemetery is a renowned burial ground located in Paris, France. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, attracting numerous visitors due to its rich historical value and astonishing funerary art.
    • Size: occupies an area of approximately 110 acres
    • Number of graves: contains over 70,000 burial plots
    • Notable occupants: hosts the final resting places of famous figures such as Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf
    • Architectural styles: features a diverse range of architectural styles, including Gothic, Neo-Classical, and Art Nouveau
    • Memorials and monuments: houses numerous memorials and monuments dedicated to notable individuals and historical events
  2. 2
    23
    votes
    Known for its ornate statues and mausoleums, Recoleta Cemetery is the final resting place of many important Argentinians, including Eva Perón.
    The Recoleta Cemetery, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is renowned as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It is a burial ground encompassing over 14 acres of land, dotted with mausoleums and elaborate tombs.
    • Established: 1822
    • Size: 14 acres
    • Architectural style: Varied, including Art Deco, Neo-Gothic, and Baroque
    • Number of burials: over 6,400
    • Notable residents: Eva Perón (Evita), several Argentine presidents, and notable figures in literature, politics, and culture
  3. 3
    35
    votes
    One of the oldest cemeteries in New Orleans, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is known for its above-ground tombs and rich history. It is the final resting place of many notable New Orleanians, including voodoo queen Marie Laveau.
    St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It is known for its unique above-ground burial tombs and rich historical significance.
    • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
    • Year Established: 1789
    • Type: Above-ground burial
    • Architectural Style: Spanish Colonial
    • Size: 1.2 acres
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    One of the first landscaped cemeteries in the United States, Mount Auburn Cemetery is known for its beautiful gardens and ornate monuments. It is also the final resting place of many famous Americans, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Mary Baker Eddy.
    Mount Auburn Cemetery is a renowned cemetery located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. It is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, blending natural landscapes with stunning architecture and commemorating the deceased in a serene and dignified environment.
    • Established: 1831
    • Total area: 175 acres (0.71 km2)
    • Designed in the style of: Rural Cemetery Movement
    • Architectural style: Victorian, Gothic, Egyptian Revival, Classical Revival
    • Notable features: Tower Crematory, Washington Tower, Bigelow Chapel, Egyptian Revival Gateway, Sweet Auburn District
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    Similar in name to the cemetery in Buenos Aires, La Recoleta Cemetery in Santiago is known for its beautiful architecture and beautiful views of the city. It is the final resting place of many important Chileans, including former President Salvador Allende.
    La Recoleta Cemetery in Santiago, Chile is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It is a burial ground that holds historical and cultural significance, attracting visitors with its stunning architecture, serene atmosphere, and rich history.
    • Location: Santiago, Chile
    • Established: 1821
    • Size: 5.5 hectares
    • Architectural Style: Neoclassical
    • Number of Burials: over 4,000
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Located in a beautiful forest, Okunoin Cemetery is the final resting place of many important Japanese figures, including Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The cemetery features over 200,000 gravestones and is considered one of the most sacred places in Japan.
    Okunoin Cemetery is a stunningly beautiful cemetery located in Koyasan, Japan. It holds great cultural and religious significance and is considered one of the most sacred places in the country. The cemetery is known for its serene and mystical ambience, surrounded by towering cedar trees and stone statues that are believed to be the guardians of the dead.
    • Size: 200 hectares
    • Age: Over 1,200 years old
    • Number of graves: Approximately 200,000
    • Main feature: The mausoleum of Kobo Daishi
    • Lanterns: There are over 10,000 lanterns lining the pathways
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Waverley Cemetery, Sydney, Australia
    Dinkum · CC0
    Located on a cliff overlooking the ocean, Waverley Cemetery is known for its stunning views and beautiful monuments. It is the final resting place of many notable Australians, including poet Henry Lawson and artist Julian Ashton.
    Waverley Cemetery, located in Sydney, Australia, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It offers a serene and picturesque resting place overlooking the ocean, providing a tranquil and reflective atmosphere.
    • Location: Sydney, Australia
    • Established: 1877
    • Size: 16 hectares
    • Ocean View: Offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean
    • Heritage Listed: Listed on the National Trust's heritage register
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Cementerio General, Santiago, Chile
    Pepoideas · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Cementerio General, Santiago, Chile

    Municipalidad de Santiago
    One of the largest cemeteries in Latin America, Cementerio General is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. It is the final resting place of many important Chileans, including former President Salvador Allende and Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda.
    Cementerio General in Santiago, Chile is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It is a place where art, history, and heritage come together, creating a unique and serene atmosphere for visitors.
    • Opened: 1821
    • Location: Recoleta, Santiago, Chile
    • Size: 85 hectares
    • Architectural Styles: Neoclassical, Gothic, Art Nouveau
    • Notable Tombs: Gabriela Mistral, Violeta Parra, Salvador Allende, Arturo Prat
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Cimetière de Montmartre, Paris, France
    Elisabetta Cipolla, Tantalas · Public domain
    Located in the popular Montmartre neighborhood, this cemetery is known for its beautiful sculptures and mausoleums. It is the final resting place of many notable French figures, including composer Hector Berlioz and painter Edgar Degas.
    Cimetière de Montmartre, located in Paris, France, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It is a serene and peaceful resting place for many notable figures from various fields, including arts, literature, and science.
    • Established: 1825
    • Location: Montmartre Hill, Paris, France
    • Size: 11 hectares (27 acres)
    • Notable Burials: Émile Zola, Alexandre Dumas, Edgar Degas, Heinrich Heine, François Truffaut, and more
    • Architectural Style: Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    Made famous by the book and movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," Bonaventure Cemetery is known for its beautiful gardens and unique sculptures. It is the final resting place of many notable Georgians, including songwriter Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken.
    The Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, USA is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It is a serene and picturesque final resting place that exudes an air of tranquility and elegance.
    • Location: Savannah, Georgia, USA
    • Size: Approximately 160 acres
    • Established: 1846
    • Style: Victorian and Gothic
    • Natural Beauty: Majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, scenic marsh views

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Ranking factors for beautiful cemetery

  1. Landscaping and layout
    A beautifully designed cemetery should have a visually pleasing and well-planned landscape. This may include rolling hills, lush gardens, tree-lined avenues, and water features such as ponds or fountains.
  2. Architectural design
    Unique, historical, or ornate structures such as crypts, mausoleums, chapels, and entrance gates can contribute to the overall beauty of a cemetery.
  3. Art and sculpture
    Beautiful cemeteries often feature exceptional examples of cemetery art and sculpture, such as intricate headstones, decorative monuments, and statuary.
  4. Historical significance
    A cemetery with connections to important historical events or figures can be seen as more beautiful due to the cultural and emotional significance it holds.
  5. Variety of burial styles
    A diverse range of burial styles, from traditional in-ground graves to environmentally-conscious green burials, can contribute to a cemetery's overall beauty.
  6. Maintenance and upkeep
    A well-maintained cemetery with immaculate grounds, clean and well-preserved headstones, and well-tended gardens is generally more beautiful than one that is neglected or in disrepair.
  7. Scenic location
    A cemetery's beauty can be enhanced by its location, whether it is situated on a hilltop overlooking a city, a serene beach, or within a peaceful forest.
  8. Atmosphere and ambiance
    A cemetery's overall atmosphere, including the presence of wildlife, the sounds of nature, and the sense of serenity can contribute to its beauty.
  9. Size and scale
    Larger cemeteries with expansive grounds and a variety of burial options can be seen as more impressive and beautiful.
  10. Cultural significance
    A cemetery that showcases the burial customs and traditions of different cultures may be considered more beautiful due to its unique and diverse elements.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful cemetery in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Graveyard is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1604 views
  • 206 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Graveyard once every 24 hours. The rank of each Graveyard is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beautiful cemetery in the world

Cemeteries have a long history of being places of remembrance and reflection. They can also be beautiful and serene places to visit, with stunning architecture and landscaped gardens. Many cemeteries around the world are treasured for their historical significance, cultural importance, and even their scenic beauty. In this article, we explore some of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, each with their own unique stories and charm. From New Orleans' above-ground tombs to the grandeur of Père Lachaise in Paris, we invite you to discover the stunning final resting places around the globe.

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