About this experience
As a department of the Preservation Resource Center, Save Our Cemeteries is the only non-profit tour operator directly supporting restoration, education, and advocacy in New Orleans cemeteries.
Now is your chance to tour one of the least visited but most popular cemeteries in New Orleans.
St. Roch Cemetery, founded in 1874, was established by the Rev. Peter Leonard Thevis. According to legend, during the deadly outbreak of yellow fever in 1868, Rev. Thevis prayed to St. Roch, the Patron Saint of Good Health, and vowed to build a chapel to the Saint if his congregation was spared. When no one died, a shrine and a chapel were built. The locals continued to revere St. Roch for graces of welfare and remission. For decades, believers left their polio braces, glass eyes, dental plates, and other parts of their prosthetic selves when their health recovered. These are on view in the chapel which is ONLY open on the first Friday of each month from 11:00 am to noon.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 30 min
What is included
- All Fees Included
- 1.5 Hour Cemetery Tour
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
St. Roch Cemetery, founded in 1874, was established by the Rev. Peter Leonard Thevis. According to legend, during the deadly outbreak of yellow fever in 1868, Rev. Thevis prayed to St. Roch, the Patron Saint of Good Health, and vowed to build a chapel to the Saint if his congregation was spared. When no one died, a shrine and a chapel were built.
St. Roch Cemetery is unique in that it has the Stations of the Cross depicted with statuary carved in Italy by the workshop of Italian sculptor Enrico Arrighini. An annual procession of the 14 stations is still celebrated every year on Good Friday.
Meeting and pickup information
- The guide will meet you at the front gate on St. Roch Ave.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Save Our Cemeteries
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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