St. Roch Cemetery Tour with Save Our Cemeteries in New Orleans
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels including seniors and wheelchair users, requiring moderate mobility to walk paved paths
Overview
Step beyond the usual and discover St. Roch Cemetery, a historical site in New Orleans where community spirit and healing traditions intertwine. Join Save Our Cemeteries for a rare peek inside its chapel and outdoor art on the first Friday each month.
St. Roch Cemetery
A Neighborhood Cemetery
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Discover the hidden gem of St. Roch Cemetery in New Orleans, a site steeped in history and community spirit. Founded in 1874, this unique cemetery features a chapel displaying heartfelt offerings from grateful locals. Join the exclusive tour on the first Friday of the month to experience its rich traditions and stunning artistry.
Duration
1.5 Hours
About
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. Tour with us on that day, to see inside.
This cemetery was truly neighborhood-centric. With a large population of working-class Germans and French, it was a focal point of the community for both religious and social events.
St. Roch Cemetery is also 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.
BOOKING ALERT: There must be a minimum of 4 guests signed up to take this tour 12 hours before the departure time/date or the tour will be cancelled. If it is cancelled you will receive an email. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
This is an easy walk. Wheelchair accessible. Tips for the Guide are appreciated. Please leave us a review on Trip Advisor and/or Google.
Adventure Tips
Book in Advance for First Friday Tours
Tours inside the chapel are only available on the first Friday of every month from 11:00 am to noon—reserve your spot early.
Arrive Early for Smooth Access
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of the tour start time to check in and prepare for the walk through the cemetery grounds.
Respect the Site’s Sacred Nature
Photography is welcome but be mindful of others and the sanctity of the chapel’s offerings and gravesites during your visit.
Moderate Physical Mobility Required
The tour covers easily walkable paved paths and is wheelchair accessible, but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban songbirds such as mockingbirds
- Common city squirrels and raccoons in adjacent green areas
History
Built in 1874, St. Roch Cemetery was formed during a yellow fever epidemic, with the chapel dedicated to the saint believed to have protected the community’s health.
Conservation
Save Our Cemeteries actively preserves St. Roch’s art and graves, fostering respect for its cultural and historic importance in New Orleans.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating paved paths around the cemetery comfortably.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is important, especially during warm or humid months.
spring|summer|fall specific
Light rain jacket
Useful for unexpected rain showers common in New Orleans.
spring|summer|fall specific
Camera or smartphone
For capturing the unique statues and the chapel’s offerings during the tour.