Cemeteries might seem like unlikely tourist stops, but, on the contrary, some of them have considerable historic, cultural and even aesthetic significance, so should be considered in certain places. Remember, from ETE #58, that gravestones are in effect memorials and help us to remember our ancestors and heroes. So, here are some cemeteries that hold some special significance for the tourist and ought to be included in your itineraries.
One of the most famous cemeteries in America is the USS Arizona Memorial, in Pearl Harbor. Remember that the men who lost their lives here on December 7, 1941, are still entombed in the sunken ship.
USS Arizona Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is another hallowed place where American servicemen and women are buried.
National Cemetery, Arlington
and the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb is one of the most sacred places in the cemetery.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington
There are Tombs of Unknown Soldiers elsewhere in the world, as well. One stands on Syntagma Square, in Athens.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Athens
Another US military cemetery which is much revered is the one in Normandy, which has the remains of American servicemen who lost their lives in the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, during World War II.
American Cemetery, Normandy
Salem’s cemetery contains a memorial to the citizens who lost their lives when labelled as witches. The play, “The Crucible” chronicles their particular time in history.
Lee & Sam in Salem's Cemetery
Gettysburg National Historic Battlefield is essentially a graveyard of soldiers from the Union and the Confederacy, with many memorials commemorating their sacrifice.
Lee, Dave & I at the Rhode Island Memorial
Valle de los Caidos, in Spain, is a cemetery, a chapel and a memorial, all in one.
Valle de los Caidos
In St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, below the altar, there are tombs of Catholic Popes.
Altar, St Peter's Basilica
Many churches contain tombs. Westminster Abbey, for instance, houses the tombs of monarchs and also famous Brits (pictures are not allowed inside).
Westminster Abbey
Some tombs are very elaborate. Look, for instance, at Maximillian I’s tomb, in the Hofkirche of Innsbruck.
Maximillian I Tomb
The Tomb of William the Silent, in Delft, is also interesting and ornate.
William the Silent Tomb
The Ming Tombs in China are reached via the Spirit Way, a walkway bedecked with animal and people sculptures.
Spirit Way, Ming Tombs
Yongle’s Tomb has an elaborate entry way.
Entrance to Yongle's Tomb
Of course, the Qin Dynasty emperor’s tomb contains the Terra Cotta Warriors (see ETE #66).
Lee at the Terra Cotta Warriors facility
Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, on Tiananmen Square, is visited by thousands each day.
Lee & Gary in front of Mao's Mausoleum
This simple cemetery in Taos Pueblo reflects their unpretentious lifestyle.
Cemetery, Taos Pueblo
John Paul Jones’ tomb is revered at the US Naval Academy.
John Paul Jones' Tomb
