Who would ever think that visiting a cemetery would be a tourist destination? Well, you would be wrong! The Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is one of the largest, oldest and most beautiful burial grounds we have ever seen.

Entrance to Allegheny Cemetery Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Allegheny Cemetery Gate House

Its sprawling landscape covers 300 acres. Lush, velvety green lawn covers the undulating hills that are speckled with headstones, obelisks, mausoleums and tall monuments. Plenty of trees offer shade. And there’s history at every turn.

Grand Staircase

Restful area in the Ladies room

An assortment of urns to choose from at the Allegheny Cemetery

Allegheny Cemetery Pittsburgh Pennsylvania wouldn’t exist if it Dr. J. Ramsey Speer, Stephen Colwell and John Chislett Sr. hadn’t seen the need for it back in 1834. The three were members of the Third Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh and encouraged the congregation to purchase a lot belonging to the heirs of Judge Roberts for a burial ground.

James Ramsey Speer MD, Founder of the Allegheny Cemetery

Gorgeous arcade outside the main building

The Carriage House

The entire eleven acre lot was offered for $5,000.00 and was considered large enough for one congregation. But would that be sufficient?

Beautiful bas relief monument

Chess Set

Welcoming Mausoleum

It was finally decided that the farm and homestead of Col. Bayard, one that consisted of 100 acres, located between the Greensburg Pike and the Sharpsburg Ferry, was what was chosen.

Calming serenity fountain

Greek Revival style mausoleum

Military Section

“The Charter of Allegheny Cemetery is unique in that it is not limited in time, nor does it contain any clause reserving the right to revoke the privileges granted. Therefore, Allegheny Cemetery was established for the purpose of perpetuity.”

Tall and Short of it

These old headstones for children are called “cradle graves”. They were designed as a small, dedicated garden bed to hold flowers, symbolizing life, renewal, and a comforting spot for grieving families to tend to, creating a living memorial.

Blowin’ in the Wind

The same mission of the civic-minded philanthropists who established Allegheny Cemetery has been carried out since 1844. Presently many of Pittsburgh’s most prominent residents are proud to serve as Managers without any compensation for their services.

She reminds me of the Statue of Liberty!

Gothic Mausoleum

Mausoleum with Verdigris Doors

From their website: “Allegheny Cemetery, historically a rural burial ground, provides a beautiful, respectful resting place for the dead and serves the community as a living tribute to generations past.  Our mission is to provide comfort to the families we serve by offering a peaceful environment, an elegant landscape, and a commitment to perpetually honor all of those entrusted to our care.”

Monument of Civil War General Alexander Hays

Stunning Black Granite Grave Monuments

Gaggle of Geese at Allegheny Cemetery

The variety of styles and forms of sculpture at Allegheny Cemetery reflect both the Romantic Era of art in which it was established, as well as various American and English artistic taste and fashion throughout the Victorian age and into the 20th century. Countless examples of custom statuary adorn the grounds, creating the feel of an open air memorial art museum.”

Classic style Mausoleum with Paned Glass Door

Stained glass window inside the mausoleum pictured above

Over the many years since its creation, the cemetery has grown to 300 acres and has 15 miles of paved roadways. More than 135,000 members of Pittsburgh’s families are currently resting in Allegheny Cemetery, along with22 Pittsburgh Mayors and many other celebrated figures. Some familiar names of those buried there are composer Stephen Foster, Jazz/R and B saxophonist Stanley “The Sugar Man” Turrentine, Pioneering radio personality and original voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates Albert “Rosey” Rowswell, and baseball player Josh Gibson.

Deer visiting Allegheny Cemetery Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Twisted and Gnarled

Beautiful Japanese Maples

Over the last 175 years the Allegheny Cemetery has remained true to its historic nature with winding country roads, tree lined paths, wooded hillsides, sunlit valleys and plenty of space for quiet reflection making it a beautiful and very interesting attraction. It’s a photographer’s dream with artistry in every direction.