New Orleans, Orleans Parish story
City of the Dead
New Orleans' cemeteries are like cities for the departed, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the most historic of them all. Opened in 1789, it's famous for its striking above-ground…
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New Orleans' cemeteries are like cities for the departed, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the most historic of them all.
Opened in 1789, it's famous for its striking above-ground vaults, a hallmark of the city's unique burial architecture. These white stone tombs create a sculptural landscape that's entirely different from any other cemetery in the US. While it's now only accessible via official tours, the sight of these towering monuments—housing figures like Marie Laveau and Paul Morphy—remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful views in the city.
Updated June 2026