Westview Cemetery
Explore the Southeast's largest cemetery, a 600-acre expanse featuring stunning Gothic architecture and famous filming locations.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Westview Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Southeast's largest cemetery, a 600-acre expanse featuring stunning Gothic architecture and famous filming locations.
"A beautiful and peaceful place with rolling hills and unexpected architecture."
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for navigating the 600-acre grounds and finding specific sections or landmarks. :world_map:
🏰 Admire the Abbey Architecture
Don't miss the impressive Westview Abbey Mausoleum; it's a gothic masterpiece and a filming favorite. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Westview Abbey Mausoleum & Chapel
Central area
The largest building of its kind, boasting stunning Gothic architecture and a castle-like appearance.
+1Filming Location Hotspot
Various locations
Recognize iconic spots used in popular films and TV shows like 'Ozark' and 'The Walking Dead'.
+1
Rolling Hills and Wildlife
Throughout the cemetery
Enjoy the peaceful, rolling landscape dotted with mature trees and often frequented by deer and bats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Westview's Vastness
Respectful Visitation Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for navigating the 600-acre grounds and finding specific sections or landmarks. :world_map:
🏰 Admire the Abbey Architecture
Don't miss the impressive Westview Abbey Mausoleum; it's a gothic masterpiece and a filming favorite.
🎬 Spot Filming Locations
Keep an eye out for sites used in 'Ozark' and other productions.
🦌 Watch for Wildlife
You might see deer roaming freely, and bats at dusk near the old water tower. :deer:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for navigating the 600-acre grounds and finding specific sections or landmarks. :world_map:
🏰 Admire the Abbey Architecture
Don't miss the impressive Westview Abbey Mausoleum; it's a gothic masterpiece and a filming favorite.
🎬 Spot Filming Locations
Keep an eye out for sites used in 'Ozark' and other productions.
🦌 Watch for Wildlife
You might see deer roaming freely, and bats at dusk near the old water tower. :deer:
⏰ Check Hours Before You Go
Hours can be restrictive, especially on weekends. Plan accordingly to avoid being locked out or in. :clock1:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
With nearly 600 acres to explore, comfortable footwear is a must for walking the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe Westview Cemetery as a hidden gem, praising its vastness, stunning architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. While some note areas in need of repair and restrictive hours, the beauty of the Abbey Mausoleum and the chance to see wildlife make it a worthwhile visit for many.
"Hidden gem if you get in the area. I know cemeteries can be morbid and sad, but if you go on a beautiful day it can be quite amazing. There were some amazing mosiliums and the abbey was so unexpected. The stonework was so well done. We didn't really get a chance to look at many stones since we walked all around the abbey. It was a beautiful and peaceful place with rolling hills. Check it out if you have the chance."
C W
"Beautiful very large cemetery, the abbey near the back is one the most interesting parts. The outside of the abbey was used as the shooting scene in the tv show Ozark where it stood in for a Mexican mansion owned by a drug cartel leader in the show. The abbey appears older but is only from the 1940s, however it does seem to be in a bit of disrepair. Many of the lights inside were not functional upon my visit and it looked like water was leaking in from the roof. I do think it is being renovated though, so hopefully those are things they are addressing. This cemetery isn’t as grand as the more famous Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta but has its own charms all the same.
I am leaving one star off because this cemetery keeps very odd hours! Closing at 5:30 on weekdays is fair enough but they close at 2 on Saturday and aren’t open at all on Sundays. I presume it’s a staffing/security thing but it’s not great. Oakland Cemetery embraces the “we are a cemetery but also a park to enjoy” thing and Westview feels like the opposite. They lock the gates so you cannot access it after hours and you risk getting locked in if you are still there after they close."
Nathan Coflin
"A stop along the way to remember a few and see a few beautiful head stones and Canadian geese.
We saw a few folks had rated this about a 3.5 and we were in the area and thought we like walking cemeteries ever since Paris and London.
Take a few moments and pause and realize we are only here a short period of time. Next interaction with someone thank them, be kind, leave them smiling."
Holly King
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Westview Cemetery is located in Atlanta, Georgia. It's accessible by car, and GPS navigation is recommended due to its large size. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach it.
While it's a large landmark, its sprawling nature means having a map or GPS is highly advisable to navigate the internal roads and find specific points of interest.
Many visitors prefer to drive through the cemetery and park near key attractions like the Abbey. For a more immersive experience, walking is recommended, but be prepared for significant distances.
Parking is generally available throughout the cemetery, especially near the main mausoleum and chapel. However, during peak times or events, finding a spot might require a bit more searching.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at the cemetery entrance. However, arranging a pickup might be more challenging due to the cemetery's size and potentially spotty cell service in some areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Westview Cemetery is generally free to enter and explore, making it an accessible attraction. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for any potential changes or special event ticketing.
The cemetery has specific operating hours, often closing early on Saturdays and not being open at all on Sundays. It's crucial to verify these hours before your visit to avoid disappointment.
No, the gates are locked after closing, and visitors are not permitted to stay after hours. There's a risk of being locked in if you're still on the grounds when they close.
While the cemetery grounds are free, access to specific buildings like the Abbey Mausoleum might have limited hours or require special arrangements. It's best to check on-site or their website for current access policies.
Information on official guided tours can be limited. However, many visitors explore independently, using maps and online resources. Some local history groups might offer specialized tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Westview Abbey Mausoleum & Chapel is a major highlight, known for its grand architecture. The vast grounds, rolling hills, and the chance to see wildlife like deer are also significant draws. +1
Absolutely! The cemetery offers incredible opportunities for photography, from the gothic architecture of the Abbey to the natural landscapes and historical headstones.
Yes, Westview Cemetery has a 'Find a Grave' section on its website or you can use third-party sites. Some visitors have also requested help from locals for specific grave locations.
Visitors frequently report seeing deer roaming the grounds. In the summer evenings, thousands of bats are known to emerge from an abandoned water tower.
Despite its size and history, many visitors find Westview Cemetery to be a beautiful, peaceful, and serene place for reflection and quiet exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
The Westview Abbey Mausoleum is a prime subject with its dramatic architecture. The rolling hills, mature trees, and unique headstones also offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Photography policies can vary, especially if renovations are ongoing. It's best to check on-site for any restrictions regarding interior photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light, creating beautiful shadows and highlighting the cemetery's features. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
Many photographers are drawn to the gothic and 'dark tourism' aesthetics, as well as the historical architecture and natural beauty.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries for privacy and safety reasons. It's highly recommended to check with cemetery management before attempting to fly a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Tips for families: Bring a cemetery map to keep track of where you are and plan your route to avoid over-exertion. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Be mindful of the cemetery's early closing times, especially on Saturdays, to avoid any issues. Discuss the importance of respecting the space and the people buried there beforehand.
📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers
+1 The sheer scale of the cemetery, with its rolling hills and mature trees, provides endless opportunities for landscape and atmospheric photography. Keep an eye out for unique headstone designs and the interplay of light and shadow throughout the grounds. Urban explorers might be drawn to the slightly weathered aspects of some structures, hinting at stories of the past. Remember to always respect the environment and any ongoing renovations. While the Abbey is a focal point, don't overlook the smaller mausoleums and the natural beauty that permeates the entire 600-acre expanse.
👻 Dark Tourists & History Buffs
The cemetery is also a repository of stories, with many notable figures buried here, including Eugene Robert Black, the 6th Chair of the Federal Reserve. Beyond the prominent structures, the cemetery offers a tangible connection to the past through its countless headstones and monuments. The fact that it has served as a filming location for shows like 'Ozark' adds another layer of intrigue for fans of the genre.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Westview Abbey Mausoleum
+1 It's no wonder filmmakers have chosen this dramatic backdrop for various productions, including scenes in the popular TV series 'Ozark,' where it stood in for a Mexican mansion. While visually stunning, some reviews mention that parts of the Abbey may be in a state of disrepair, with reports of non-functional lights and potential roof leaks.
A Sprawling Landscape and Natural Encounters
This expansive natural setting provides a peaceful environment for reflection and exploration, making it a popular spot for those seeking a quiet escape. Many visitors appreciate the cemetery's tranquil atmosphere, describing it as a beautiful and peaceful place. The cemetery is also a haven for local wildlife. It's common to spot deer grazing peacefully among the headstones, adding to the natural charm of the landscape.
Westview Cemetery: A Cinematic Backdrop
+1 For instance, scenes in the acclaimed Netflix series 'Ozark' were filmed here, with the Abbey portraying a drug cartel leader's mansion. Beyond 'Ozark,' the cemetery's gothic vibes and expansive grounds have been featured in other projects, contributing to its allure for those interested in the intersection of history, art, and media.
Exploring the grounds can feel like stepping onto a movie set, offering a chance to connect with the visual storytelling that has taken place within its borders. If you're a fan of these productions, seeking out these filming locations can add an extra layer of excitement to your visit. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit