St. Roch Cemetery Tour

New Orleans’ historic St. Roch Cemetery offers a captivating 1.5-hour tour that transports visitors back in time. Operated by the non-profit Save Our Cemeteries, the tour delves into the cemetery’s poignant history, showcasing its iconic above-ground tombs and emotional chapel shrine. Led by knowledgeable guides, the intimate experience caters to visitors of all abilities, making it an accessible and educational exploration of one of the city’s most intriguing burial grounds. What secrets does this hallowed ground hold?

Key Points

• Guided tour of New Orleans’ historic St. Roch Cemetery, operated by non-profit Save Our Cemeteries.
• Explore the captivating history, Stations of the Cross, and chapel shrine within the cemetery.
• Intimate educational experience with knowledgeable guides, maximum group size of 12 participants.
• Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with service animals welcome for inclusivity.
• Founded in 1823, the cemetery served as a burial ground for yellow fever victims and features iconic above-ground tombs.

Tour Overview

The St. Roch Cemetery tour is a 1.5-hour experience that explores this culturally significant site in New Orleans.

Operated by the non-profit Save Our Cemeteries, the tour contributes to the conservation of the city’s historic "Cities of The Dead."

Travelers will explore the most popular cemetery in New Orleans, learning about its history and the Stations of the Cross carved in Italy.

With a maximum group size of 12, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the emotional impact of the chapel shrine, highlighting the educational aspect of the experience.

Tour Highlights

Highlights of the St. Roch Cemetery tour include:

• Exploring New Orleans’ most popular cemetery. Guests wander the serene grounds, taking in the unique architecture and statuary.

• Learning the captivating history of the site, including the Stations of the Cross carvings imported from Italy. The guide shares stories about this culturally significant location.

• Experiencing the emotional impact of the chapel shrine, which honors those who’ve passed. This poignant element leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

The small group size of 12 travelers maximum ensures an intimate, educational experience led by knowledgeable guides.

All fees are included, though gratuities for the guide are not.

Meeting Details

The meeting point for the St. Roch Cemetery tour is the St. Roch Cemetery No. 1, Campo Santo, located at 1725 St Roch Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117. The guide meets the group at the front gate on St. Roch Ave, and the tour ends at the same meeting point. The tour starts promptly at 10:00 am.

Meeting Details
Meeting Point	St. Roch Cemetery No. 1, Campo Santo, 1725 St Roch Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Guide Meeting Location	Front gate on St. Roch Ave
Tour Start Time	10:00 am
Tour End Location	Same as Meeting Point

Accessibility Information

The St. Roch Cemetery Tour is accessible for all visitors. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with surfaces that are easily navigable. Service animals are also welcome.

Highlights of the accessibility features include:

1. Wheelchair accessibility throughout the cemetery grounds.
2. Stroller accessibility, making the tour family-friendly.
3. Allowance of service animals, ensuring inclusivity for all.

With these accommodations, most travelers can participate in the tour and explore the culturally significant St. Roch Cemetery with ease.

The accessibility of the tour ensures that all visitors can experience the historic site and learn about its rich history.

Reviews and Ratings

What do reviews and ratings say about the St. Roch Cemetery Tour? According to Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour has an impressive 5.0 overall rating based on 9 total reviews.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful, emotional experience of the cemetery. Highlights include the profound impact of the chapel shrine and the educational value of the tour, which covers the history of St. Roch Cemetery and the Stations of the Cross.

The History of St. Roch Cemetery

St. Roch Cemetery has a long and fascinating history. Founded in 1823, it served as a burial ground for victims of yellow fever epidemics.

The cemetery features:

1. Iconic above-ground tombs, a hallmark of New Orleans’ "Cities of the Dead."
2. Elaborate stone monuments and statues, including the famous Stations of the Cross.
3. A chapel shrine dedicated to St. Roch, the patron saint of the poor and diseased.

Over the centuries, St. Roch has become a culturally significant site, reflecting the unique history and traditions of New Orleans.

Today, the cemetery is carefully maintained by the non-profit organization Save Our Cemeteries.

Exploring the Stations of the Cross

Why are the Stations of the Cross so captivating within St. Roch Cemetery? These 14 carved limestone plaques, imported from Italy, depict the final hours of Jesus Christ.

Visitors can follow the path of Christ’s crucifixion, meditating on each station’s powerful imagery. From the Condemnation to the Entombment, the detailed carvings evoke a somber, reflective mood.

The Stations’ presence adds a profound, spiritual element to the cemetery tour. Guides explain the symbolism and religious significance, enhancing appreciation for this unique feature.

Exploring the Stations of the Cross is a highlight, offering an immersive, contemplative experience within the historic St. Roch Cemetery.

Preserving the Cities of The Dead

As a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving New Orleans’ historic cemeteries, Save Our Cemeteries plays a vital role in maintaining the "Cities of The Dead".

Through their conservation efforts, the group aims to:

1. Protect the cultural heritage and architectural integrity of these sacred spaces.
2. Educate the public about the historical significance and unique funerary art found within.
3. Raise funds for ongoing restoration and maintenance projects to ensure the cemeteries remain accessible for generations to come.

The St. Roch Cemetery tour contributes directly to these preservation initiatives, with ticket sales supporting the non-profit’s mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Tour Usually Last?

The tour typically lasts 1.5 hours, as stated in the overview. It’s an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the culturally significant St. Roch Cemetery and learn about its history from knowledgeable guides.

Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place?

The tour operator follows COVID-19 safety protocols, requiring masks for all participants and limiting group sizes to allow for social distancing. Hand sanitizer is provided, and surfaces are regularly cleaned between tours.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though they should be mindful not to disturb the solemn atmosphere of the cemetery. The tour guide may provide guidance on appropriate photo opportunities and etiquette.

Is There an Option to Purchase Souvenirs?

Yes, the tour operator offers a small selection of souvenirs for purchase at the end of the tour, such as postcards and keychains. Proceeds from souvenir sales contribute to the cemetery’s preservation efforts.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Locals or Students?

The tour doesn’t specify any discounts for locals or students, but visitors should check with the operator, Save Our Cemeteries, as they may offer reduced rates for certain groups to make the tour more accessible.

The Sum Up

The St. Roch Cemetery Tour offers a captivating exploration of one of New Orleans’ historic burial grounds. Operated by Save Our Cemeteries, the tour provides an intimate educational experience, highlighting the cemetery’s iconic tombs, emotional chapel shrine, and the history tied to yellow fever victims. With accessibility for all visitors, it’s a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of this significant site.