
For some people the fascination with their idol continuesĀ even after their hero is dead and buried. For others the opportunity to see aĀ spot associated with someone well known is appealing. Whatever the motivation,Ā many of the graves of the famous and sometimes infamous have become touristĀ attractions. Spanning many fields of endeavours, the most popular places ofĀ rest are an eclectic mix.
Well written epitaphs
Many people like to bury themselves in a good book. It is notĀ a surprise therefore that the burial plots of some of the worldās most belovedĀ writers are also highly sought after.
Ā ĀRenowned author, poet and wit Oscar Wilde was originallyĀ buried in the Cimetiere de Bagneux outside Paris but his remains were then disinterredĀ to PPre Lachaisse Cemetery inside the city. Wildeās tomb was designed by theĀ controversial sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein and is considered a significant pieceĀ of art in its own right.
It was Samuel L. Clemens better known as Mark Twain who onceĀ said āReports of my death have been greatly exaggeratedā. TheĀ popularity of his final resting place has not been. At the Woodlawn Cemetery inĀ Elmira, New York the Superintendent of the cemetery estimates that betweenĀ 2,000 to 3,000 visitors come each year to see Mark Twainās grave.
Rock of ages
With music being the defining sound track to the lives ofĀ countless people, the graves of iconic musicians are often site of pilgrimage.
A grave that regularly receives a lot of visitors is that ofĀ rock legend Jim Morrison. Buried in the same cemetery as Oscar Wilde, theĀ singerās gravestone has been emblazoned with tributes and mementoes fromĀ dedicated fans over the years.
Olā Blue Eyes Frank Sinatra has āthe best is yet toĀ comeā carved into his gravestone in Desert Memorial Park California.Ā Sinatra has what he considered his life insuranceĀ packed inside the casket with him, a bottle of Jack Daniels.
Film Immortals
With their iconic roles forever captured on screen and inĀ the minds and hearts of fans, the graves of famous film stars have specialĀ significance to many.
Tragic screen star Marilyn Monroe is interred in a crypt inĀ the Corridor of Memories at the Westwood Village Memorial Park cemetery in LosĀ Angeles. In a bittersweet gesture worthy of a scene in a Hollywood movie herĀ former husband baseball star Joe DiMaggio had red roses placed in the vaseĀ attached to the crypt for 20 years.
Martial arts guru and action film star Bruce Lee whose lifeĀ was cut tragically short is buried in Seattleās Lakeview Cemetery. Diehard fanscome from all over the world to pay tribute to the master.
In life and in death, these well-known personalitiesĀ continue to fascinate. The amount of interest that their grave sites generateĀ shows the impact their lives had. To remember, to be inspired, to reflect orĀ just out of curiosity, the reasons for visiting are as diverse as theĀ personalities themselves. By each visit to their place of remembrance it isĀ ensured that their legacy will never truly die.Ā
This article was contributed by Lloyd, a freelance writer and blogger, who is currently working with Switch.Ā