New Orleans Cemetery Tour: Historical Exploration
4.9
9 Ratings
New Orleans
Embark on a captivating 2-hour guided bus tour through New Orleans' historic cemeteries. Discover burial customs, Masonic and Catholic history, and the haunting stories behind the Katrina Memorial.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 - Founded in 1865 by the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana Free and Accepted Masons, the Masonic Cemetery expresses a character distinct from the Catholic cemeteries that dominate the city. It is known for its many unusual, elaborate tombs, a reputation due in part to the cemetery’s communal nature: members of lodges pooled resources to purchase large group tombs. Occupying two oddly shaped city blocks, the cemetery is triangular in plan, with Conti Street bisecting it. The triangular footprint of the bordering streets overlaid with the cemetery’s angular internal walkways mimics the Masonic emblem of the square and compass. Cast-iron picket fences enclose its two distinct sections, while oak allées line its northern and western edges. Tombs are compactly arranged in rows parallel to Bienville Street, with a wide, paved promenade cutting through the center to provide access to smaller walkways between rows.
What's Included
- Experienced tour guide
Additional Information
Embark with us on a expedition through two of New Orleans’ revered historical burial grounds. During this excursion, a captivating storyteller will guide you through a labyrinth of above-ground sepultures in Masonic Cemetery #1 and the Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery.
From funeral customs and rituals to the chronicles of the Masons and Catholics in New Orleans, to the multitudes of lives lost, commemorated at the Katrina Memorial, this journey is certain to leave you with a sense of unease and awe, along with a profound respect for our city’s remarkable past.
The tour comprises a 2-hour narrated guided bus adventure.
Location
Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys
Decatur Street
We meet at VooDoo Tavern & Poboys
1140 Decatur St. New Orleans La. 70116
Please arrive 30 minutes prior tour time for check-in
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(9 Ratings)
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Mooresy204
Jan 28, 2024
Fun and spooky night with friends - Bob was a great guide!! We appreciated being able to go into cemetery after dark. Would definitely book again when in NOLA.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donna_e
May 15, 2023
Fun tour - Had a great time with Trish. Good background and history. Animated. Would be fun to do in the dark at night.
Review provided by Viator
Aimee_b
Dec 18, 2022
Trish is a great guide!! ... - Trish is a great guide!! Knowledgeable and fun. We enjoyed the tour and will recommend Trish and the tour to all.
Review provided by Viator
Prisciliareyes
Apr 26, 2022
Buy THIS NOW....RAFFLE was great, and I would book another tour again (: - Raffle was awesome, he was very informative and very personal. It was my favorite tour of the NOLA area and I would totally recommend it to everyone that wants to know about history of NOLA and the beautiful cemeteries in the Treme Neighborhood.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessicahm6672gf
Aug 21, 2021
Taylor was great - Taylor was great!!! Best tour guide ever! Very informative and he really knew the history! Great even though it was soo hot!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
477loisp
Mar 21, 2021
Wonderful day to explore - Thank you Taylor! Great trip. You are very interesting and knowledgeable. Your love for NOLA is apparent. It was our pleasure to join your tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emily_f
Apr 17, 2023
Good use of late night hours - We flew into New Orleans in the evening and wanted to make the most of our time. We booked a Thursday night tour at 11pm and had a ton of fun. The tour guide was kind and helpful. He shared personal stories and photos that enhanced the tour. We enjoyed the BYOB benefits and the late night stop for beignets. We appreciate that the tour allowed us access to cemeteries we couldn’t otherwise access ourselves.
Review provided by Viator
