New Orleans: St. Louis Cemetery #3 Guided Walking Tour

New Orleans’ St. Louis Cemetery #3 boasts a rich and captivating history that draws visitors from around the world. This active burial ground, established in 1854, showcases diverse architectural styles and notable figures from the city’s past. A guided walking tour of the cemetery promises an unforgettable glimpse into the unique burial practices and compelling stories that have shaped New Orleans’ cultural identity. What secrets and surprises might these hallowed grounds reveal?

Good To Know

• A 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the historic St. Louis Cemetery #3 in New Orleans, established in 1854 and featuring diverse architectural styles.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and led by English-language guides, providing insights into the cemetery’s history and notable figures.
• Visitors can explore the main aisles, discover unusual society tombs, and encounter captivating stories, such as the hunchbacked photographer.
• The tour is priced at $25 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• The cemetery is an active burial site, with an average of one burial per day, showcasing its continued usage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The St. Louis Cemetery #3 Guided Walking Tour offers an immersive experience exploring this historic New Orleans landmark. Priced at $25 per person, the 1.5-hour tour is accessible to wheelchair users and features English-language guides.

Visitors can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve their spot without upfront payment. Established in 1854, the cemetery showcases diverse architectural styles and the final resting places of notable figures.

Throughout the tour, guests will learn about burial practices and uncover captivating stories that bring the site’s history to life.

Cemetery Highlights

Established in 1854, St. Louis Cemetery #3 is the largest of the St. Louis cemeteries.

Visitors can explore diverse burial practices, from wall vaults to columbariums and family tombs. The cemetery also features a variety of architectural styles, including Greek, Roman, Gothic, Egyptian, Baroque, and Byzantine.

Diverse burial practices and architectural styles, from Greek to Byzantine, await discovery at the historic St. Louis Cemetery #3.

Notable figures buried here include chefs, architects, civil rights leaders, and notorious citizens.

The guided walking tour takes visitors down the main aisles named after saints and clerics, sharing stories about the cemetery’s history and its active status, with an average of one burial per day.

Unusual society tombs and intriguing anecdotes, like the hunchbacked photographer, await discovery.

Tour Experience

During the guided walking tour, visitors can explore the cemetery’s main aisles named after saints and clerics. The tour guide shares the cemetery’s history and its active status, averaging one burial per day. Travelers may encounter unusual society tombs and intriguing anecdotes, like the hunchbacked photographer. The tour provides an engaging experience for guests.

| Tour Experience | Details |

| — | — |

| Guided Walking Tour | Explore the cemetery’s main aisles |

| Historical Insights | Learn about the cemetery’s history and active status |

| Unique Discoveries | Encounter unusual tombs and anecdotes |

Meeting and Preparation

Visitors can meet the tour guide at the front gates of St. Louis Cemetery #3. The tour starts promptly, so it’s recommended to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised, as the walking tour lasts 1.5 hours. Bring sunscreen and water to stay hydrated during the outdoor exploration.

The cemetery is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for all visitors. The tour company offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers’ schedules.

With these simple preparations, visitors can fully enjoy the captivating history of St. Louis Cemetery #3.

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Customer Reviews

The St. Louis Cemetery #3 Guided Walking Tour has earned rave reviews from past participants. Based on 12 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive 5/5 overall rating.

The St. Louis Cemetery #3 Guided Walking Tour has earned rave reviews from past participants, boasting an impressive 5/5 overall rating based on 12 reviews.

Travelers highlight the knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, Sally, as a key selling point. They recommend the tour for its exceptional value and engaging content that brings the cemetery’s history to life.

As one reviewer notes, the tour offers:

• Fascinating insights into the cemetery’s diverse burial practices and architectural styles

• Captivating stories about the notable figures laid to rest within

• An immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression

Exploring the History and Architecture

Established in 1854, St. Louis Cemetery #3 is the largest of the three historic St. Louis cemeteries in New Orleans.

The guided walking tour takes visitors through the cemetery’s main aisles, showcasing its diverse architectural styles. From Greek and Roman to Gothic, Egyptian, Baroque, and Byzantine, the tombs display an impressive range of design.

The tour also covers various burial practices, including wall vaults, columbariums, public mausoleums, and family tombs.

Visitors can discover the graves of notable figures, such as chefs, architects, civil rights leaders, and notorious citizens, while learning about the cemetery’s active status, averaging one burial per day.

Notable Figures Buried in the Cemetery

Among the many notable figures interred within St. Louis Cemetery #3, visitors can discover the graves of prominent individuals from diverse backgrounds:

• Chef Paul Prudhomme, known for popularizing Cajun and Creole cuisine worldwide

• Architect James Gallier Sr., designer of iconic French Quarter buildings

• Civil rights leader Homer Plessy, who challenged racial segregation laws

These and other esteemed citizens have found their final resting place within the cemetery’s ornate tombs, offering a glimpse into New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage and the lives that have shaped the city’s history.

The Active Status of St. Louis Cemetery #3

Although originally established in 1854, St. Louis Cemetery #3 remains an actively used burial ground.

On average, the cemetery sees one new interment per day. Visitors may encounter funeral processions and gravediggers during the tour, providing a glimpse into the cemetery’s ongoing operations.

The guide will share stories about the cemetery’s active status, explaining how the tradition of using the space for burials has endured over the decades.

Guests can marvel at the sight of the newly entombed, a poignant reminder of the cemetery’s vital role in the community.

This living cemetery offers a unique and thought-provoking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photographs during the tour. The tour overview states the cemetery is wheelchair accessible, indicating a photography-friendly environment. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide or other participants.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is generally not recommended for young children as it covers mature themes and involves extended walking through an active cemetery. However, families with well-behaved kids may be able to participate with proper supervision.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available in the Cemetery?

There are no restroom facilities available within the cemetery itself. However, the tour guide will provide information on the nearest public restrooms before the start of the walking tour.

Can I Leave Flowers or Gifts at the Gravesites?

Visitors can leave flowers or small gifts at gravesites during the tour, but it’s important to be respectful and avoid disturbing the sites. Tour guides can provide guidance on appropriate ways to honor the deceased.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the St. Louis Cemetery #3 Guided Walking Tour. The tour focuses on the cemetery’s history and architecture, so the presence of pets would be disruptive to the educational experience. Visitors are advised to leave their pets at home.

The Sum Up

Exploring the rich history and unique burial practices of New Orleans, the St. Louis Cemetery #3 Guided Walking Tour offers an immersive experience. Visitors can discover the diverse architectural styles and notable figures laid to rest in this active cemetery, led by knowledgeable guides. With rave reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s captivating past.

You can check availability for your dates here: