The oldest and most storied resting place in New Orleans, open only by official guided tour.
In a city filled with historic landmarks, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 stands apart. Established in 1789, it is the oldest surviving cemetery in New Orleans and one of the most visited burial grounds in the United States. Its walls hold the stories of pioneers, politicians, artists, and cultural icons whose legacies shaped the city.
But this cemetery is more than a collection of tombs—it’s a national landmark recognized for its historical, cultural, and architectural importance. And today, the only way to step inside is with an official guided tour.
A Cemetery with Deep Roots
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 was founded after fires and epidemics forced the closure of earlier burial grounds. Designed to move burials above ground in response to both the city’s high water table and the Yellow Fever epidemic, it introduced the now-iconic style of tombs that define New Orleans cemeteries.
Over the centuries, the cemetery grew to cover nearly a full city block and became the final resting place for generations of New Orleanians. Its significance was formally recognized in 1975, when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Notable Figures Laid to Rest
Among the hundreds of tombs are names that resonate far beyond the city:
- Marie Laveau, the famed Voodoo Queen, whose influence as a healer and spiritual leader endures to this day.
- Homer Plessy, the civil rights pioneer at the center of the landmark Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson.
- Nicholas Cage’s pyramid tomb, a modern curiosity that continues to spark fascination.
Each resting place adds a chapter to the city’s broader story, making the cemetery not just a burial ground, but a living archive of New Orleans history.
Why This Cemetery Stands Apart
New Orleans is home to many historic cemeteries, but St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is unique. Its age, concentration of notable burials, and architectural character distinguish it as the most important cemetery in the city. It also represents the blending of cultures—French, Spanish, African, and American—that gave rise to New Orleans itself.
Because of its importance, the cemetery is protected and monitored closely. Past vandalism led to restricted access, which means visitors can no longer enter freely. Today, entry is available only through Cemetery Tours NOLA, the official and exclusive tour partner authorized by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
A Living Heritage
Exploring St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is not just about seeing famous tombs. It’s about connecting with the city’s soul—its resilience, traditions, and history carved in stone. Guided tours bring these stories to life while ensuring that the site is respected and preserved.
Step inside the most storied cemetery in New Orleans with the only official tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1—where every tomb tells a piece of the city’s past.
