Cemeteries are supposed to be quiet, reflective places where people go to remember those that have passed on, but that’s not always the case. New Orleans cemeteries are known for their striking architecture, historic burial grounds, and maybe even the paranormal experience or two. While many know the ghostly tales behind St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, you may be surprised to hear that there’s another cemetery nearby that has had some interesting activity over the years.
Located in the St. Roch neighborhood of New Orleans, the St. Roch Cemetery is one of the most hauntingly beautiful cemeteries in the city.
Dan Kruse/Google It’s also one of the most underrated. It’s not as popular as the other cemeteries in the city, but it has a very unique history behind it.
The cemetery was founded by Reverend P.L. Thevis in 1874.
Brandon Ore/Google During one of New Orleans’ Yellow Fever outbreaks in 1867, Reverend Thevis prayed to St. Roch to protect his congregation during the epidemic, promising that if St. Roch would keep his people safe, he would build a chapel to honor the patron saint of the sick. Miraculously, no one in his congregation died of Yellow Fever.
Staying true to his word, Thevis built the chapel that’s within the cemetery as part of his promise to St. Roch.
Flash The/Google The Gothic-style chapel was dedicated in 1875. The name Campo Santo was given to the cemetery as a nod to the Campo Santo dei Tedeschi, a cemetery, church, and hospice located on the south side of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
You can go inside the chapel if you’d like.
Brandon Ore/Google It’s a beautiful space that’s just as peaceful as you’d think… and maybe a little spooky.
When you walk in, you’ll see a little room off to the side.
Brandon Ore/Google Decorated with countless gifts of gratitude and offerings, many have stopped by over the last century to pay their respects and ask for protection from the patron saint of the sick.
And you might be in for a spooky experience.
Brian G./Trip Advisor The cemetery has had ghost stories swirling around it ever since it opened.
One of the main sightings is that of a hooded figure.
Management/Trip Advisor While that may seem like it would be easy to debunk considering the cemetery is open to the public, this shadowy figure walks right through walls and tombstones. Seeing someone walk through a wall would certainly make you do a double-take!
Perhaps the most popular spirit of this particular cemetery isn’t even a person, but a dog. Described as an overly-large black dog, most people would agree that’s it’s not uncommon to see a stray dog wandering around. However, when you approach this dog, rather than the dog approaching you (or running away), it vanishes into thin air.
A ghost dog? Seems fitting, considering St. Roch is also the patron saint of dogs.
Maybe it’s St. Roch himself guarding the gates.
Have you ever visited St. Roch Cemetery? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Dan Kruse/Google
It’s also one of the most underrated. It’s not as popular as the other cemeteries in the city, but it has a very unique history behind it.
Brandon Ore/Google
During one of New Orleans’ Yellow Fever outbreaks in 1867, Reverend Thevis prayed to St. Roch to protect his congregation during the epidemic, promising that if St. Roch would keep his people safe, he would build a chapel to honor the patron saint of the sick. Miraculously, no one in his congregation died of Yellow Fever.
Flash The/Google
The Gothic-style chapel was dedicated in 1875. The name Campo Santo was given to the cemetery as a nod to the Campo Santo dei Tedeschi, a cemetery, church, and hospice located on the south side of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
It’s a beautiful space that’s just as peaceful as you’d think… and maybe a little spooky.
Decorated with countless gifts of gratitude and offerings, many have stopped by over the last century to pay their respects and ask for protection from the patron saint of the sick.
Brian G./Trip Advisor
The cemetery has had ghost stories swirling around it ever since it opened.
Management/Trip Advisor
While that may seem like it would be easy to debunk considering the cemetery is open to the public, this shadowy figure walks right through walls and tombstones. Seeing someone walk through a wall would certainly make you do a double-take!
Perhaps the most popular spirit of this particular cemetery isn’t even a person, but a dog. Described as an overly-large black dog, most people would agree that’s it’s not uncommon to see a stray dog wandering around. However, when you approach this dog, rather than the dog approaching you (or running away), it vanishes into thin air.
A ghost dog? Seems fitting, considering St. Roch is also the patron saint of dogs.
Maybe it’s St. Roch himself guarding the gates.
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Address: 1725 St Roch Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
