Description:
Fully restored in 1991, this was the first burial ground in Halifax, and between 1749 and 1844 some 12,000 people were interred here. (Only one in 10 graves is marked with a headstone, however.) You'll find wonderful examples of 18th- and 19th-century gravestone art -- especially winged heads and winged skulls. (No rubbings allowed.) Also exceptional is the Welsford-Parker Monument from 1855, which honors Nova Scotians who fought in the Crimean War. This ornate statue near the grounds' entrance features a lion with an unruly Medusa-like mane. Go at dusk; the grounds are imbued with a quiet grace a couple of hours before sunset, when the light slants through the trees and the traffic seems far away. Cemetery buffs could spend an hour or more; others can easily drop by for 10 minutes en route to downtown attractions or eateries.
- © Frommer's 2012
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Ask a local about Old Burying Ground
Locals have answered 4 questions about Halifax.
Ask Halifax Locals about Old Burying Ground
- Details
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Contact:
- tel: 902/429-2240
Address:
- Corner of Spring Garden and Barrington
- Halifax, NS
Hours:
- June-Sept 9am-5pm; guides until late Aug
Strenuousness:
- Easy
- User Rating
