In New Orleans, there are some truly incredible cemeteries—but it is arguable that Metairie Cemetery takes the cake. Here at Only in Louisiana we’ve gathered some of the most beautiful pictures and amazing history of this cemetery for you to enjoy:

The first thing that catches many people off guard about Metairie Cemetery is that it is not technically in Metairie.

It is actually found right on the border of Metairie and New Orleans, on the former banks of Bayou Metairie.

Metairie cemetery has the largest collection of marble tombs and funeral statuary in the city.

flickr.com/photos/dukie1 The tomb pictured here is one of the most famous, a monumental tomb for Confederate soldiers in the American Civil war.

Atop this monument is General Albert Sidney Johnston on his horse “Fire-eater”.

flickr.com/photos/locosteve

In front of General Johnson stands this 1885 statue, representing a confederate general reading the names of soldiers who died during the war.

Another beautiful example of the monuments found here, this set of tombs is for the Besthoff family.

flickr.com/photos/dukie1 This family later donated money to create the sculpture garden in City Park.

Some of the architecture here will simply take your breath away.

Loco Steve/Flickr Not your run of the mill tombs!

This church-like tomb is home to members of the Monteleone family.

flickr.com/photos/clarkzip This family was one of the original operators of the iconic Monteleone hotel in the French Quarter.

This statue is a monument to Chapman H. Hyams’ sisters.

flickr.com / Steve Conger The sculpture is a copy of Story’s Angel of Grief.

This is the tomb of David Hennessy, the famed New Orleans police chief whose assassination led to riots in the city.

Wikicommons / Infrogmation Hennessy was known for his capture of mafia bosses, and after he was murdered, 11 Italians suspected of the crime were eventually lynched by an angry citizen mob.

This tomb, known as the sphinx, may have been Nicholas Cage’s inspiration for his pyramid tomb.

flickr.com/photos/mhoman His future tomb can be found in another historic New Orleans cemetery, St. Louis No. 1.

Many famous New Orleanians can be found during a stroll through this cemetery.

Wikicommons Notable figures buried here include Al Copeland of Popeyes, Alton Ochsner, founder of Ochsner Clinic, and William C. C. Claiborne, first governor of Louisiana.

So, consider taking a stop in at the other foot of Canal Street, where Canal meets Metairie Road. You’ll have an amazing time. Have you ever been to this cemetery before? Which part of it really caught your eye?

It is actually found right on the border of Metairie and New Orleans, on the former banks of Bayou Metairie.

flickr.com/photos/dukie1

The tomb pictured here is one of the most famous, a monumental tomb for Confederate soldiers in the American Civil war.

flickr.com/photos/locosteve

This family later donated money to create the sculpture garden in City Park.

Loco Steve/Flickr

Not your run of the mill tombs!

flickr.com/photos/clarkzip

This family was one of the original operators of the iconic Monteleone hotel in the French Quarter.

flickr.com / Steve Conger

The sculpture is a copy of Story’s Angel of Grief.

Wikicommons / Infrogmation

Hennessy was known for his capture of mafia bosses, and after he was murdered, 11 Italians suspected of the crime were eventually lynched by an angry citizen mob.

flickr.com/photos/mhoman

His future tomb can be found in another historic New Orleans cemetery, St. Louis No. 1.

Wikicommons

Notable figures buried here include Al Copeland of Popeyes, Alton Ochsner, founder of Ochsner Clinic, and William C. C. Claiborne, first governor of Louisiana.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.