Tuesday, November 11, 2014

European Cemeteries That Resemble Botanical Gardens

It's a shame that cemeteries are typically associated with the macabre, where supernatural influences are ever present. On many of my travels, I've come to appreciate cemeteries as open-air museums and botanical gardens. I chose to visit one treasured cemetery in Lisbon, Reykjavik, Valletta, Zagreb and Helsinki for what they each could tell me about indigenous plants, renowned artists, notable politicians, and much more. Find out what I discovered about botany, architecture, and sociology in this article on the loveliest European cemeteries that I recently wrote for National Geographic Traveler - Intelligent Travel.


9 comments:

Brette said...

I didn't know this, but I have not made a point to visit cemeteries on my travels. Very interesting!

Alexandra said...

I had no idea. My husband always used to visit cemeteries when he travelled abroad. Maybe this is why.

Jane Louise Boursaw said...

I think it's a lovely idea. I'm fascinated by cemeteries.

merr said...

What Jane said above - such serenity.

Roxanne said...

Gorgeous. Here there are quite a few trees and such, but not quite as many flowers as part of the normal cemetery landscape.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Roxanne, I love finding garden-like cemeteries.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Jane, I used to never visit them, until I found out that there are many resembling botanical gardens.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Alexandra, I've been getting such an education by visiting cemeteries around the world.

Kerry Dexter said...

What an interesting idea, J. I am always so aware of history when I visit cemetaries.