The beautiful and unique St. Roch Cemetery & Chapel in New Orleans, Louisiana has - along its walls and in its corners - beautiful life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross. A pilgrimage on Good Friday, led by a local priest, draws worshippers to the cemetery every year to walk and revere the stations. Yet, what truly sets St. Roch Cemetery apart is it's infamous and unique shrine room, off to the right inside the tiny chapel, where offerings of thanks are left to St. Roch for his intervention in their suffering. St. Rocco was a man who administered to plague victims in his life and is now the patron saint of infectious diseases. The Ninth Ward's New Orleans chapel was built for and dedicated to him when, in 1868, Rev. Thevis had his prayers to the saint answered - his parishioners were saved from a terrible yellow fever epidemic that was then sweeping the city. You can read more about the chapel's history here. Since that time, St. Roch appears to have interceded for many, who leave their offerings of thanks to him - creating a bizarre and hauntingly beautiful space that is touching and, also, uniquely New Orleans. You cannot help but stand inside the tiny room and wonder about the stories behind each item left there; which includes everything from ceramic body parts, prosthetics, crutches and leg braces to glass eyes, a kidney mold, a glitter-bespeckled camera, and a dead bird. Some pieces are obviously symbolic while others are the genuine article, something that someone, presumably, was able to cast off thanks to the intercession of St. Roch. Though the area was badly flooded during Hurricane Katrina, it has persevered. If you are interested in checking out New Orleans cemeteries, this lesser well-known little graveyard and its accompanying chapel are more than worth a visit.

One of New Orleans' overlooked cemeteries, and people don't know what they're missing. The chapel is a Neo-gothic Victorian fever dream, dedicated to 14th century plague saint and patron of healing and dogs, St Roch. Dedicated in 1874, revitalised in the 1940s and 50s, and finally brought back to life after Katrina in the early 2010s, this cemetery sees monthly healing Masses and pilgrimages to walk the giant marble Stations of the Cross embedded in the cemetery walls. The graves here represent a cross section of New Orleans' working class and immigrant populations through the past 150 years, with German, Irish, Italian, and Black Catholics interred here, with fascinating outliers mixed in. The tombs here are beautiful, and the healing room on the side of the chapel is fascinating. The chapel itself is often closed, so check times before you go to make sure both the cemetery and chapel are open, and be considerate of locals. There are recent graves here and people deserve respect. Whilst I've never felt vulnerable here, the neighbourhood has seen better times. Be aware of your surroundings and if you decide to walk up to St Roch's Market, be alert -- the traffic alone can be dangerous.

Named for the Saint Roch, known primarily for being the patron saint of dogs, invalids, falsely accused people, this cemetery is very nice and well kept. Covering two city blocks, packed with mausoleums and statues, it is very lovely to walk. The main paths are paved, but due to time and weather, the pavement can be cracked and uneven. Monthly patrolled by New Orleans finest, it is a safe place. The neighborhood is questionable at times. It can get hot during the summer months, so use protection. Wear sturdy shoes as the pavement being cracked and uneven in spots. Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention.

This is a beautiful cemetery, perhaps even superior to the St Louis #1 Cemetery you have to pay $25 to visit. Definitely a hidden gem, and free to enter. I was very disappointed, though, to see that they’d blocked out any outside viewing of the chapel in the back, where those cured have famously left dentures, prosthetics, crutches, and other things as gifts. I came specifically to see that unique sight, but the windows are now obscured by a fake stained glass design.

I was only able to get into number 2 as number 1 is closed for refurbishment. It’s absolutely beautiful and serene ! It has lovely mosaics ! Unlike the other well known cemeteries around the city there are no “famous “ people buried here just regular New Orleanians of all different ethnicities. Lots of WW2 veterans are buried here as well ! I felt like I got a glimpse of working class New Orleanians walking around the cemetery. Highly recommend

It kinda feels weird to be reviewing a cemetery, NGL. We had tried to go first to see Marie Laveau's tomb (St. Louis Cemetery #1) but it was closed for renovations, and then went to Lafayette Cemetery, but it was also closed. So we came along to St. Roch. It's interesting in an austere kind of way, and quiet to wander around but doesn't quite have the atmosphere of the first two. Oh well, c'est la vie (c'est le mort?)

Beautiful place! Came here alone on Christmas morning because my family wanted to stay in bed, currently in a bar by myself, texting “merry Christmas” to every one I know and witnessing New Orleans bar regulars exchange Christmas gifts and warm greetings Life is beautiful I want so much more of it

Wonderful old cemetery. Note the inscription in German of Franz Grunder, born in Alsace. Also the Bohlen family, natives of Hanover, Germany (where I grew up). Note the German spelling of Hanover (Hannover with 2 "n").

Brisk tour of St Roch... #1 due to the rain. However aplenty of places to cover. Unique unlike cemetaries in other regions of the country. Many crypts... Jesus is pronounced here.

Love this cemetery!5
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Small cemetary but still incredibly beautiful. A must see of you're in the neighborhood.

We arrived here for day of the dead, it was an amazing place and beautiful atmosphere.

Thank you st roch for cureing me of hate. Protecting us from plague of c19.

Amazing!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Ate cereal at the cemetery. It was nice.

Beautiful and spooky!

beautiful. scenery