It may seem a bit macabre to say that I find cemeteries beautiful. But, macabre or not, it's true — cemeteries can be just as serenely pretty as they are somber. And Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, is no exception.
In fact, this 160-acre cemetery on a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River may be one of the most beautiful cemeteries that I have ever seen. With Spanish-moss-draped trees, aging marble headstones, and weathered statuary, it's not surprising that Bonaventure Cemetery has captured the imaginations of everyone from poets to filmmakers throughout the past century.
According to the Bonaventure Historical Society, this cemetery is also historically significant “as a reflection of changing views on death and dying in the Victorian era. As death became more romanticized and ritualized during this period, cemeteries became lush, beautiful ‘cities of the dead.'”
“City of the Dead.” A haunting phrase, but one that I think describes Bonaventure perfectly.
All of these photos were taken in the oldest sections of the cemetery — towards the back, closest to the river. (If you go yourself, stop in at the visitor's center and ask for a map before you drive or walk around.)
Visiting Bonaventure Cemetery would probably be my top suggestion if you're planning to go to Savannah.
Do YOU visit cemeteries when you travel? Which is your favorite photo in this bunch?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
I’ve been there, it’s a very mysterious and magical feeling to be there, and your photos are stunning!
– Suzette, trysomethingfun.blogspot.com
Thanks! I loved wandering around and just taking it all in.
I love visiting cemeteries and usually seek out the oldest one in the cities we visit. I’m fascinated by the attention to detail and the artwork on some of the tombs and memorials. It’s a testament to how a life and death were honored by the living. Some of the most fascinating cemeteries I’ve seen are in New Orleans, Louisiana; Paris and Cassis, France and various places in Germany. Beautiful ‘cities of the dead’. I’d like to visit Bonaventure some day; The trees make a dramatic backdrop for the statues.
I’m fascinated by the details and artwork in old cemeteries, too. Newer ones just aren’t as personalized anymore.
The famous Bonaventure Cemetery!!! Who can forget Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil?!
Shhh I actually haven’t read the book OR seen the movie!
I find cemeteries very interesting! I would definitely visit this one as part of a trip to Savannah. You’re pictures are very beautiful.
Thanks, Debbie. I’m really glad my sister and I took the time to visit this one.
I love Savannah! Beautiful photos! The one with the fingers cut off is a little creepy though 😉
Haha, fair enough. Actually, the face of that statue was really creepy to me (with the white eyes).
I have no doubt we will! Thanks again for the great pics!
Thanks for the tip! We will definitely check out the oldest sections when we get to Bonaventure!
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy it!
There is a name for all of us: Taphophiles: Cemetery enthusiasts! We aren’t weird or macabre, just lovers of beauty and fans of silence and memory.
Your photos are stunning, Dangerousbiz! I truly cannot choose a favourite! Thanks so much for sharing these!
My brother and I travel specifically to visit cemeteries and Bonaventure is on our list for next Spring. Your photos make us want to rush there right now, though!
Check out our website of cemetery photos, videos and reviews if you like (http://www.bellamorte.net) You will find many of America’s best cemeteries featured at the site. Enjoy!
Taphophiles – I never knew that there was a name for it! That’s awesome.
And if you travel just for cemeteries, I don’t think this one will disappoint. Just make sure you go check out the oldest sections!
I love going to cemeteries and walk around and read and look at things. I loved Boneadventure in Savannah and key west cemeteries was really neat.
I am the exact same way Amanda, whenever I spot a cemetery like that, I have to go inside. If you’ve never been to Pittsburgh, they have a couple cemeteries the same size dating late 1700’s.
This cemetery is gorgeous, the Spanish-moss covered trees as a backdrop adds to the effect. Love the photos!
You would LOVE this one, Ryan. The statues and old headstones were beautiful, and the Spanish moss definitely added something special!
Gorgeous writing and photographs. Ever since I visited the Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, I’ve become a huge fan of cemeteries. Okay, that does sound a bit weird but whatever! I’ll just roll with it.
I definitely have to try and visit that one in Paris!
I’ve visited quite a few cemeteries during my travels. One of the most impressive to date has been Recoleta in Buenos Aires. That place is a maze and some of the mausoleums are true architectural marvels. If I ever swing through Savannah, this is a place I’d want to visit.
I’ve heard of Recoleta and imagine I would love that one, too.
It’s not macabre! Cementaries are beautiful! (Or maybe we are both weird:-)
Haha well if finding cemeteries makes me weird, then so be it!
Looks gorgeous. Makes me want to go to Savannah! I don’t think it’s macabre to find beauty in cemeteries…they’re often some of my favourite sights! People say I’m weird for liking cemeteries (there are plenty of other reasons to say I’m weird!), but I don’t care.
I don’t think it’s weird. I think they can be very serene and pretty places, and can remind us to remember things and people that are gone.
I definitely recommend a trip to Savannah!
Beautiful ornamentic reliefs and sculptures, actually, I’ve worked with them a lot because they had to be 3D scanned and 3D printed for a museum exhibition. I’ve always wondered how people handcrafted these masterpieces…
Some of them really are “masterpieces,” aren’t they?
I LOVE a good cemetery and this looks like a nice one. Whenever we travel, cemeteries are always on the itinerary — especially if we are going to a different country. It’s nice to see I’m not the only one.
You are definitely not the only one – cemeteries are usually not only historical and interesting, but also often very pretty.