Colón Cemetery - Image 1
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Colón Cemetery

4.6
·295 reviews·Havana, Cuba

A vast, ornate necropolis housing a million graves, showcasing diverse architectural styles and Havana's rich history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Colón Cemetery - Image 1

Colón Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast, ornate necropolis housing a million graves, showcasing diverse architectural styles and Havana's rich history.

4.6
(295 reviews)

"An exceptional, haunting place far from the maddening crowds - essential deserted, just you and the dead."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Low Entrance Fee

Non-Cubans pay around $100 CUP (approx. $2.50 USD). Tip reception staff for their work!

⏳ Allow Ample Time

You'll need at least 3 hours to explore this vast necropolis.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 295 reviews

Type

Cemetery

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Entrance

The Grand Entrance

Main Gate

An ornate, Romanesque triple arch symbolizing the Holy Trinity, setting the tone for the grandeur within.

Architectural Mausoleums

Architectural Mausoleums

Main Avenues

A stunning array of funerary monuments, sculptures, and mausoleums showcasing diverse architectural styles.

Firefighter's Monument

Firefighter's Monument

Specific Section

A poignant tribute to 17 firefighters who perished in the 1890 fire, a significant historical marker.

Alberto Yarini's Tomb

Alberto Yarini's Tomb

Specific Section

The resting place of the Cuban legend Alberto Yarini, adding a layer of local folklore to the visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

To truly appreciate the Necropolis de Colon, allocate at least 3 hours. Visiting during off-peak hours can offer a more serene experience, allowing you to absorb the intricate details of the mausoleums without the crowds. Consider a guided tour for deeper historical insights.

Respectful Exploration

While the cemetery is an open-air museum, remember it's an active place of remembrance. Dress respectfully, keep noise levels down, and be mindful of ongoing services. Many mausoleums are under-maintained, so tread carefully.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

💰 Low Entrance Fee

Non-Cubans pay around $100 CUP (approx. $2.50 USD). Tip reception staff for their work! Reddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

You'll need at least 3 hours to explore this vast necropolis. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Recommended

Enhance your visit with a local guide to uncover hidden stories and historical context. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The cemetery is extensive, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Low Entrance Fee

Non-Cubans pay around $100 CUP (approx. $2.50 USD). Tip reception staff for their work! Reddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

You'll need at least 3 hours to explore this vast necropolis. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Recommended

Enhance your visit with a local guide to uncover hidden stories and historical context. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The cemetery is extensive, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit

📸 Photography is Welcome

Capture the stunning architecture, but be mindful and respectful of the surroundings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(295 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Colón Cemetery is widely praised as an impressive and hauntingly beautiful architectural and historical site, offering a unique glimpse into Havana's past. Visitors are captivated by the vast array of ornate mausoleums and the stories they hold, all at a remarkably low entrance fee. However, some areas show signs of under-maintenance, which, while adding to the atmosphere for some, detracts from the overall upkeep for others.

"Anyone interested in architecture and history should pay a visit to the cemetery. We spent around 3 hours there. Is that morbid? An impressive place. Unfortunately, the outside areas are not really looked after and a lot is destroyed."

Lobo Fumante

"An exceptional, haunting place far from the maddening crowds - essential deserted, just you and the dead. Extraordinary mausoleums, if many under-maintained. At 200 pesos, the entrance fee is ludicrously low for the experience. Consider tipping the under-paid reception staff as compensation!"

Dirk Kalff

"It is actually one of the most famous cemeteries in Old Havana.
It houses 17 fireman that died in the fire of 1890. There's a few other historical folks that are buried at the same location including Cuban Legend Alberto Yarini.
(Google him)
They charge $100 CUP (¢.50 USD) for Non-Cubans to visitors"

Josue Polanco

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Rich history
Low entrance fee

What People Dislike

Under-maintained areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Colón Cemetery is located in Havana, Cuba. You can reach it by local taxi or as part of a taxi tour. Many visitors find a taxi tour to be a convenient and cost-effective way to visit, often including it as one of the first stops. Reddit

While public transport options might exist, taxis are generally the most recommended and practical way to reach the cemetery for tourists. This ensures ease of access and comfort. Reddit

The cemetery is vast. Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour to navigate the grounds and learn about its history. Alternatively, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking. Reddit

Yes, taxis are usually available outside the cemetery. It's advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey. Reddit

Colón Cemetery is a well-known landmark in Havana. Most taxi drivers will know its location. If you're using a navigation app, ensure you have the correct name: Necropolis de Colon. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for non-Cubans is approximately 100 CUP (Cuban Pesos), which is about $2.50 USD. This is considered a very low price for the experience. Reddit

Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance upon arrival. It's advisable to have local currency (CUP) for the entrance fee. Reddit

The current entrance fee is already very low. Information on specific discounts for students or seniors is not widely available, but the standard fee is highly affordable. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, the cemetery is open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or with your guide for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

There is no separate fee mentioned for photography, but always be respectful and discreet when taking pictures. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Colón Cemetery is an architectural marvel, featuring around 1 million graves with ornate mausoleums, sculptures, and memorials. It's a reflection of Havana's history and social changes. Reddit

Most visitors recommend spending at least 3 hours to fully appreciate the scale and detail of the cemetery. Reddit

While many mausoleums are impressive, some areas are under-maintained and show signs of wear and tear. This adds to the haunting atmosphere for some visitors. Reddit

Yes, the church within the cemetery is still in use. Be respectful if you encounter a funeral service during your visit. Reddit

Yes, notable figures include 17 firefighters who died in an 1890 fire and Cuban legend Alberto Yarini. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged due to the stunning architecture. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Reddit

The main entrance, the grand avenues lined with mausoleums, and unique sculptures offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Look for intricate details and grand structures. Reddit

Late afternoon often provides beautiful lighting for photography, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the monuments. Reddit

Drone photography is generally not permitted in cemeteries or sensitive historical sites without special permits. It's best to assume it's not allowed. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the mausoleums, while a prime lens can help with detailed shots of sculptures and inscriptions. Reddit

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