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

New Orleans’ St. Louis Cemetery #3 offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history and diverse legacies. This guided walking tour, led by knowledgeable local guides, invites guests to explore the expansive cemetery’s remarkable architecture, from Greek Revival to Creole-inspired tombs, and uncover the stories behind its notorious and revered residents. From renowned Creole chefs to acclaimed architects and civil rights champions, the cemetery’s residents have left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the macabre, this tour promises to leave you intrigued and eager to learn more about the captivating world that lies within the walls of St. Louis Cemetery #3.

Key Points

• This 1.5-hour guided walking tour explores the expansive St. Louis Cemetery #3 in New Orleans, which is home to notable residents like chefs, architects, and civil rights leaders.
• The tour highlights the cemetery’s diverse architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Neoclassical, and Creole-style tombs with intricate carvings and sculptures.
• Visitors will learn captivating tales about the notorious and revered citizens interred within the cemetery, including the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes visitors of all abilities, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for history, architecture, or the macabre enthusiasts.
• The guided tour is conducted in English by a live guide and includes full access to the St. Louis Cemetery #3, without any additional pickup or drop-off services.

Tour Details

The tour lasts for 1.5 hours and is led by a live guide who conducts the experience in English.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors of all abilities to participate.

This guided walking tour invites you to explore the vast St. Louis Cemetery #3, which is twice the size of the city’s other two famous cemeteries combined.

You’ll learn the rich history of this iconic New Orleans landmark and visit the final resting places of notable figures.

Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse tomb types and architectural styles that make this cemetery truly unique.

Cemetery Overview

St. Louis Cemetery #3 dates back to 1854, when it was established to accommodate the growing population of New Orleans. This cemetery is twice the size of the city’s other two famous burial grounds, St. Louis #1 and #2, combined. It continues to function as an active cemetery, with approximately one burial taking place there each day.

Fact	Value
Established	1854
Size	Twice St. Louis #1 and #2
Burials per Day	~1
Notable Residents	Chefs, architects, civil rights leaders
Unique Features	Unusual society tombs, hunchbacked photographer

The cemetery is home to the final resting places of numerous notable figures, including chefs, architects, and civil rights leaders. Visitors can also explore the unusual society tombs and learn about the hunchbacked photographer who is buried there.

Notable Burials

Among the notable figures laid to rest in St. Louis Cemetery #3 are renowned chefs, visionary architects, and pioneering civil rights leaders.

The cemetery is the final resting place of Paul Blangé, a pioneering Creole chef who helped popularize New Orleans cuisine.

Nearby, you’ll find the tombs of renowned architect James Gallier Jr., who designed many of the city’s iconic buildings.

The cemetery also holds the graves of civil rights activists like Homer Plessy, whose challenge to segregation laws led to the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case.

From culinary icons to architectural visionaries and social justice champions, St. Louis #3 honors the diverse legacies of New Orleans’ most influential citizens.

Architectural Styles

Visitors exploring St. Louis Cemetery #3 will encounter a diverse array of architectural styles adorning the tombs and memorials throughout the historic burial ground.

From the elaborate, ornate designs typical of the Greek Revival and Neoclassical periods to the more simplistic yet elegant Creole-style tombs, the cemetery showcases the evolving tastes and influences that shaped New Orleans’ architectural heritage.

Intricately carved columns, pediments, and bas-relief sculptures adorn many of the tombs, reflecting the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans.

Plus, the cemetery features a variety of vault types, including below-ground family tombs and above-ground community mausoleums, each with their own distinctive architectural features.

This architectural diversity adds to the cemetery’s captivating character and provides a visually stunning backdrop for the guided tour.

Guided Exploration

The guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery #3 allows visitors to fully enjoy the cemetery’s rich history and architectural wonders.

With an expert local guide leading the way, guests can uncover the fascinating stories behind the tombs and monuments that line the cemetery’s main aisles.

The tour highlights three key aspects of the guided exploration:

1. Traversing the cemetery’s main aisles named after saints and clerics, where visitors can learn about the lives of notable figures like chefs, architects, and civil rights leaders.

2. Encountering the cemetery’s diverse array of tomb types and architectural styles, from the unusual society tombs to the hunchbacked photographer’s final resting place.

3. Hearing captivating tales about both the notorious and the revered citizens who’ve found their eternal home within the expansive St. Louis Cemetery #3.

Unique Tomb Types

St. Louis Cemetery #3 showcases a remarkable array of unique tomb types that captivate visitors, from the ornate society tombs to the hunchbacked photographer’s final resting place.

The cemetery features stunning architectural styles in its society tombs, each one a testament to the prominence and wealth of the families laid to rest within.

One particularly intriguing grave belongs to a local photographer known for his distinctive hunchbacked appearance. His tomb bears a striking sculptural representation of his unique physical trait, a poignant reminder of the diverse individuals interred here.

These unique features make St. Louis Cemetery #3 a treasure trove of history and artistry, inviting visitors to uncover the stories behind each captivating tomb.

Notorious Residents

Alongside the notable figures laid to rest in St. Louis Cemetery #3, the graveyard also harbors the final resting places of some of New Orleans’ more infamous residents.

As you wander the cemetery’s aisles, you may come across the tombs of:

1. Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, whose grave is a popular pilgrimage site for those seeking her mystical powers.

2. Henry Vignes, a notorious pirate and river smuggler who made a name for himself through his daring exploits on the high seas.

3. Delphine LaLaurie, a socialite known for her horrific mistreatment of slaves, whose house on Royal Street has become a symbol of the city’s dark past.

These are just a few of the more notorious residents who found their final resting place within the hallowed grounds of St. Louis Cemetery #3.

Tour Inclusions

The guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery #3 includes a live English-speaking guide, full access to the cemetery grounds, and no additional pickup or drop-off services.

On this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll explore the vast expanse of this historic cemetery, learning about its long history and notable residents. The tour guide will provide insightful commentary, sharing stories about the cemetery’s architecture, tomb styles, and the lives of the people buried here.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or the macabre, this guided walking tour offers a comprehensive and engaging experience. All you need to do is show up and let the guide take you on a journey through one of New Orleans’ most famous and fascinating cemeteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour guide will likely encourage participants to capture the cemetery’s unique monuments and architecture. However, be mindful of respecting the sanctity of the cemetery.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are typically no age restrictions for this tour, making it suitable for all ages. Children are welcome to join, though parental supervision is recommended to ensure their safety and engagement during the walking tour.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour offers a private option. Guests can arrange for a private guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery #3 if they prefer a more personalized experience with just their group.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Cemetery?

No, there are typically no souvenirs available for purchase at the St. Louis Cemetery #3. The tour focuses on the history and architecture of the cemetery, without any additional shopping or commercial offerings on-site.

What Should I Bring With Me for the Tour?

For the tour, guests should bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water. The cemetery can be hot, so dressing for the weather is recommended. Bringing a camera is also a good idea to capture the unique sights.

Recap

The St. Louis Cemetery #3 Guided Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of New Orleans’ rich history and diverse legacies.

Visitors can discover the resting places of renowned Creole chefs, acclaimed architects, and civil rights champions, while encountering the cemetery’s remarkable architectural styles and uncovering the stories behind its notorious and revered residents.

It’s a must-visit destination for history, architecture, and the macabre enthusiasts alike.