Since ancient times there are graveyards that have kept the remains of people from past eras. Today some of these cemeteries are kept in countries of all continents, which is why we want to tell you about the 15 ancient cemeteries that are actually really impressive and that, in addition to providing peace, can generate some concern to know them. Are you sure you want to do it?
In these curious cemeteries where tombstones are kept for many years it is also possible to find famous tombs , which belong to relevant characters who have left great milestones in history; also, some of them have become recognized worldwide for their beauty or, on the contrary, for how dark they are. Of course, in the impressive ancient cemeteries that you are about to know, there is no lack of legends, which are of all kinds and some of them tend to believe. Let's start!
15 Ancient Cemeteries that will leave you speechless | Years of history that today leave scary results
1. Gross Fredenwalde Cemetery in Germany
This cemetery was discovered in 2016 and, according to the relevant investigations, it is considered to be from the time of Mesolithic , therefore, it is one of the oldest cemeteries in Europe that, without a doubt, is worth knowing. The Gross Fredenwalde cemetery is located in the homonymous municipality of Uckermark, in Brandenburg. Due to its antiquity this place houses tombs that are more than 8000 years old.
2. Okunoin Cemetery in Japan
Traveling to the Asian continent we find the Okunoin cemetery, located in Wakayama, Osaka, Japan. This is one of the ancient cemeteries where legends are part of everyday life . It is believed that each night the spirits of those buried here tend to get up and walk freely through the terrain of the place, however, it is one of the cemeteries stories in which only some believe. The Japanese cemetery is one of the largest and includes more than 200 thousand graves, more than 100 meditation temples and even has a university inside.
3. Kerameikos in Greece
In the well-known city of Athens, in Greece, there is one of the impressive ancient cemeteries that you should know, specifically in the neighborhood of the same name, which also it is usually known under the name of Ceramic . This place has more than a thousand tombs that belong to people who lived during the years before Christ, so you can get an idea of how old they are.
4. Jewish Cemetery of Worms in Germany
Returning to this European country we find another of the ancient cemeteries that exist in that continent. This place is the oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe . Known under the name of Heiliger Sand or Jewish cemetery of Worms, due to the city in which it is located, this interesting cemetery has thousands of tombs that today are kept and are visited. In addition, the place has in its land the Cathedral of Worms, an imposing place that since you see its exterior you will want to know.
5. Udegram Cemetery in Pakistan
On this side of the world there is also a cemetery with a lot of history. The place dates back more than 3000 years and although there are only 32 tombs in its land, this is one of the most investigated ancient cemeteries , because the people who were buried in it were buried in the company of vessels and ornaments of copper, iron and bronze.
6. Jewish Cemetery of the Mount of Olives in Israel
In Israel, specifically In the city of Jerusalem, one of the most important capitals as far as religion is concerned, is the Jewish cemetery of the Mount of Olives , the oldest cemetery in this area. This is one of the ancient cemeteries that is still active, so every day they continue to make burials on their land. With more than 150 thousand tombs, the Jewish cemetery in question has tombstones of different years, which is why it is one of the most important in Israel.
7. Jewish Cemetery of Prague in Czech Republic
Returning to the European continent we find the next old cemetery that we want you to know. This, like the previous one, houses the remains of a significant number of Jews from past eras. In the Jewish Cemetery of Prague, in Czech Republic , it is considered that there are more than 12 thousand tombs , which corresponds to more than 100 thousand Jews.
8. Myles Standish cemetery in the United States
In Massachusetts, United States, we find the oldest cemetery in the North American country: the Old Burying Ground , as it is also known. This cemetery exists since about 1638 and has nothing more and nothing less than 1.5 acres. As if that were not enough, the place houses more than 100 tombs, which belong mostly to pilgrims.
9. Granary Burying Ground in the United States
The cemetery that you are about to meet exists since 1660 in the city of Massachusetts, United States. In this place belonging to the most recognized ancient cemeteries, the tombstones of various historical figures, especially people who participated in wars . It is considered that in this place there are more than 5000 people buried.
10. First Cemetery of the Presbyterian Church in the United States
This cemetery is the oldest in Tennessee, being built in the year 1790 . The First Cemetery of the Presbyterian Church in the city of Knoxville has numerous famous tombs who made their lives in this North American territory. Currently the cemetery is considered a historic place.
11. Cemetery of San José de Granada in Spain
Again in Europe we find one of the last impressive ancient cemeteries that we want you to know. This belongs to the XIX century and has more than 100 thousand square meters of extension . One of the reasons why people usually visit it is because of its interesting cemeteries and tombstones, which are mostly accompanied by really impressive sculptures.
12. Matías Maestro Presbyter Cemetery in Peru
Of course, Latin America also has impressive ancient cemeteries that you can not miss. In this South American country, the Presbítero Matías Maestro cemetery, formerly called the General Cemetery of Lima . Its construction was carried out in the year 1808 and it has more than 700 mausoleums. This cemetery houses the tombs of different historical figures of the country in question, therefore, it is the oldest cemetery in Peru.
13. Cemetery of the Recolecta in Argentina
Changing from a Latin American country we are located in Argentina, specifically in its capital, Buenos Aires , where we found the famous Cemetery of the Recolecta. Its fame is due to the fact that in it there are numerous tombs of important Argentinean characters In addition, there are also legends that involve the spaces of this place with almost six hectares. Existing since 1822, the Argentine cemetery has more than 4500 vaults.
14. Green-Wood Cemetery in the United States
In the imposing and curious New York is the next cemetery that we included in our collection of ancient cemeteries. This, unlike the rest, was created just when the city was growing urbanistically. In the year 1838 the cemetery opened its doors and today is known to be a historic place in the United States and a national historical monument.
15. Cemetery of the Presbyterian Church of Zion in the United States
The last churchyard that we will mention in this list of impressive ancient cemeteries is located, again, in the city of Tennessee in the United States. The place is nationally known for being in the areas surrounding the Presbyterian Church of Zion , which was built between 1847 and 1849. The cemetery has more than 1500 graves of soldiers who participated in different American civil wars.
Each of the places mentioned above has different stories that are undoubtedly worth knowing, which is why it seemed important to share with you 15 impressive ancient cemeteries that are found throughout the world. In case you know another graveyard that is many years old, share it in the comments section! We will read to you immediately to know more about these imposing and historical places where so many people rest.