When can I tour the St. Roch Cemetery chapel?

The chapel is only open for tours on the first Friday of each month from 11:00 am to noon.

Is the cemetery tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour paths are paved and accessible for wheelchairs.

How long is the St. Roch Cemetery tour?

Tours typically last about 1.5 hours, walking through the cemetery grounds and visiting the chapel.

Are there any health and safety guidelines to follow during the tour?

Visitors are asked to respect the site’s sacred nature by remaining quiet in the chapel and being considerate when photographing.

Is there a minimum group size to hold the tour?

Yes, tours require at least 4 guests signed up 12 hours before the start time or they may be canceled.

Are tips expected for the tour guide?

Tips are appreciated but not required; they support continued high-quality tours.

St. Roch Cemetery Tour with Save Our Cemeteries in New Orleans | Events

Located at 1725 St Roch Ave in New Orleans, St. Roch Cemetery stands as a quietly powerful emblem of local history and communal resilience. Founded in 1874 by the Rev. Peter Leonard Thevis, this cemetery originated from a promise made during the devastating 1868 yellow fever epidemic. According to legend, Thevis vowed to build a chapel to St. Roch, the Patron Saint of Good Health, if his congregation survived—a vow fulfilled when no deaths occurred. The resulting chapel remains central to the cemetery’s unique character, housing relics like polio braces, glass eyes, and prosthetic dental plates left by those who experienced healing, on display only during exclusive tours held the first Friday of each month.

Unlike typical cemeteries, St. Roch functions as a cultural landmark within the working-class neighborhoods historically dominated by German and French immigrants. The site not only serves as a burial ground but also as a place of community gatherings and religious observance. Notably, the cemetery features Stations of the Cross statues carved in Italy by Enrico Arrighini’s workshop. Each Good Friday, residents maintain a deeply rooted tradition of walking the fourteen stations, connecting past and present.

Under the stewardship of Save Our Cemeteries, this site is more than a historic location — it is a living archive of faith, artistry, and neighborhood identity. The guided 1.5-hour tour is accessible and suitable for most visitors, offering a rare chance to witness both the chapel’s poignant offerings and the intricate statuary that sets St. Roch apart. Preservation efforts ensure that this neighborhood treasure continues to invite reflection on both life and legacy in New Orleans.

For those seeking meaningful context beyond the city's famed streetcar rides and musical pulse, St. Roch Cemetery offers a grounded, insightful journey into the neighborhood’s spiritual and cultural backbone.

About Save Our Cemeteries

Save Our Cemeteries is an organization based in New Orleans, Louisiana, dedicated to preserving, documenting, and promoting the city's historic burial grounds. The organization offers guided tours and educational experiences that highlight the architecture, cultural traditions, and stories embedded in local cemeteries. Notable guided experiences include visits to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 near City Park, a combined Tour of the Historic Pitot House and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, the monthly St. Roch Cemetery tour with its chapel of local offerings, and a guided exploration of Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery, known for its sculptures and notable interments.

Tours balance historical context with on-site interpretation, helping visitors understand cemetery design, funerary art, and community heritage. In addition to public tours, the organization engages in cemetery documentation and community outreach to support ongoing care and awareness. Tour schedules and special events are announced by the organization; some tours operate on set dates such as the first Friday of the month for St. Roch Cemetery.

Save Our Cemeteries works with local stakeholders, volunteers, and preservation professionals to maintain respectful access to sensitive sites while sharing accurate historical information. For visitors seeking thoughtful, place-based learning about New Orleans history, these guided experiences provide a structured way to explore cemeteries, learn about prominent local figures, and witness distinctive funerary art. The organization documents funerary markers, provides interpretive materials for visitors, coordinates volunteer days, and collaborates with municipal partners to ensure site stewardship. Visitors should check schedules and respect site rules during visits and traditions.