Cemeteries
Photo: Protoant, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
A cemetery is any place with graves, tombs and memorials. The range of types and appearances is vast, from extensive mausolea with huge architectural elaborations, to unmarked plots of ground with hardly a sign it is a resting place.
In some cases royal memorials and tombs (see monarchies) may be the central point of vast grounds that might not always be known as a cemetery as such. Such sites are extensively visited for a wide range of reasons, depending on the local or national culture, they might be pilgrimage sites as well.
PilgrimageSome countries have extensive pilgrimage systems. Cemeteries and the tombs of special people within a religious or national context are connected with others.
Walls and structuresSome cemeteries in built up areas have massive walls and fences for protection from vandalism. The walls and the surrounding structures can say more about the history of the location than the actual tombs.
RespectSome cultures have very distinct beliefs about how or how not to visit graves, and it is well worth checking out acceptable practices.
Information and genealogySome cemeteries have custodians or caretakers who have information about the place or know where information can be found.
FuneralsThe opportunity to be 'on site' during an important person's funeral or funeral procession can be a very special insight into a country or culture's attitude to people and their death.
BuyThere are limited ranges of cemetery souvenirs: usually guide books. Some cemeteries have meticulous and elaborate guidebooks.
Famous cemeteries
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Cemeteries" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Protoant, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons