Why human beings are so fascinated by visiting cemeteries, we will never know. But, they are usually up there at the top of most people’s lists of “must-dos” when visiting a new city. And they figure prominently in many of our city Experiences. Here are just five final resting places or memorials for the dead that you can currently visit while Navibrating.

Old Caleton Cemetery, Edinburgh

The lines between good and evil and between life and death are often blurred, and no more so than here at the Old Caleton Cemetery. Before the discovery of catalepsy, many people were unwittingly buried alive here. So widespread was the problem, that families started tying bells to their deceased loved ones’ fingers, so they could alert cemetery guards if they woke up to find themselves lying six feet under in a coffin. Now that’s what we call macabre.

2. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hollywood

Hollywood is known for its glitz and glamour but it has a spooky side too. This is the cemetery where you’ll find the final burial place of many of Hollywood’s most famous names. There is nothing more ethereal than taking a stroll around the headstones as dusk falls. You can visit the graves of some of Hollywood’s greats such as Johnny Ramone, Rudolph Valentino and Cecil B. DeMille.

3. The Poet’s Corner, Westminster, London

London is one of the world’s greatest cities and Westminster Abbey is one of its top attractions. Just what can you see when you get inside the Abbey? Well, many visitors make their first stop the tombs of British monarchs who are interred in the Abbey. However, did you know that over 100 poets are honoured for their contributions to English literature in what is known as Poet’s Corner? If poetry is what floats your boat, make sure you don’t leave the Abbey without visiting it.

4. The Forest of Remembrance, Madrid

There are those who think that travellers tramping around a cemetery for enjoyment is a little disrespectful to the dead. One way to honour rather than disturbing the dead in Madrid is to visit the Forest of Remembrance. It commemorates the 192 lives which were snuffed out in the terrorist attacks of March 11, 2004. 22 olive trees and 170 cypress trees have been planted to pay tribute to those lost and to keep their memory alive.

5. Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery, Edinburgh

This cemetery is considered the shadiest place on earth by the people of Edinburgh. It is here that “Bloody”, (lawyer, George McKenzie), so known due to the cruelty with which he treated prisoners, is buried. According to legend, he still appears and is known to be physically violent to the poor unfortunates who cross his path. Just be warned!

With the day of the dead just around the corner, why not check out these stops and more in our experiences for Edinburgh, Hollywood, Madrid and Washington D.C.

Edinburgh

https://www.navibration.com/guides/195/Edimburgo

Hollywood

https://www.navibration.com/guides/196/Los%20%C3%81ngeles:%20Hollywood

Madrid, Art Walk and Retiro

https://www.navibration.com/guides/191/Madrid:%20Paseo%20del%20Arte%20y%20Retiro#

Washington D.C.

https://www.navibration.com/guides/196/Los%20%C3%81ngeles:%20Hollywood