World's Most Historical Cemeteries (PHOTOS)

Exploring history can take on many guises, from dusty tomes to cinematic recreations, lecture halls to physical monuments. Yet one of the most basic ways to feel a tangible connection to the past can be to explore the very places where the giants of history were laid to rest.

For the truth is that history’s most famous names — some of whom have become more legend than fact — were all just people like us. And it is by standing at their grave sites, that allows us to feel a real link to these colossal figures from the past.

From city-like cemeteries to grand mausoleums, modest grave sites to vast cathedrals, the great and the good are interred in a variety of places around the world.

We asked our friends at history-themed travel website Historvius to highlight some of history's most famous resting places and their renowned residents.

Herewith, their list.

Comments

[war1800eagle]

06:44 PM on 10/11/2011

I've lived within half a day's drive to New Orleans and have yet to visit the famous one there. Everyone has to buried above ground because the city is below sea level. Marie LeBeaux the VooDoo Queen is there.

[war1800eagle]

06:41 PM on 10/11/2011

I've been described as having a dark side, but apparently not so. I am fascinated by cemeteries and their residents. I could walk through the old one's for hours. I've not traveled extensively anywhere, but the cemetery in downtown Savannah, Ga. is my favorite so far. I love the city cemetery in Natchez, MS also

[olbob757]

05:37 PM on 10/11/2011

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow between the crosses row on row; but nobody of much importance is buried there, I guess.

[war1800eagle]

06:41 PM on 10/11/2011

By God they are important to me.

[west lothian questioner]

04:36 PM on 10/15/2011

http://www.ypressalient.co.uk/images/Thiepval_Memorial_and_graves.jpg

This place is quite simply awe inspiring. Anyone who visits this place and leaves without having shed a tear has no heart.

[ZakAttack]

10:25 AM on 10/11/2011

If you visit Vienna, the Habsburg Imperial Crypt, is definitely worth a hour of your time:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Crypt

[Gronkie]

10:24 AM on 10/11/2011

The Normandy American Cemetery in France, where those who died on D Day are buried.

[Fi]

09:41 AM on 10/11/2011

I spent 6 hours wandering around this Cemetery in Paris many years ago, and did not even see half of it, wonderful place.
Note to Self - Go back again sometime.

[dwill123]

08:36 AM on 10/11/2011

One more to be added to the list:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dPS3VKxpXI/TdqJ64UlHlI/AAAAAAAAAQE/gjuxLSXoOxM/s1600/USS_Arizona_Memorial.jpg

[p456]

08:30 AM on 10/11/2011

Americans need pass ports.