Punta Arenas Cemetery (officially Cementerio Municipal Sara Braun) is the burial site for many of the city’s richest and most famous figures. It’s also filled with graves of sailors and immigrants who left their marks on local history. Walk along the paved lanes of this architecturally impressive cemetery. Resembling a small village, Punta Arenas Cemetery is one of the city’s most poignant attractions.
The cemetery dates back to 1894 and today contains a mix of gated chapels, intricately carved crypts, lavish mausoleums and simple gravestones. Check out the grand gateway, donated in 1919 by Sara Braun, the affluent wife of sheep-raising pioneer José Nogueira. Legend states that, upon her death, Braun demanded to be the only person to pass through the gate. Today, entrance to the cemetery is via a side gate.
From the entrance, paths lined with expertly trimmed cypresses branch off in all directions. The most notable tombs belong to members of aristocratic families such as Sara Braun and Spanish-born businessman José Menéndez. Look for the crypt of the Spanish composer Jovino Fernandez Martinez as well as that of Vittorio Cuccuini, founder of the Chilean Red Cross. Don’t miss the homage to the Indio Desconocido (Unknown Indian), an indigenous man whose tomb is said to possess miraculous powers.
Inside the main entrance is a map with information about the cemetery’s significant landmarks. Wander the paths and explore the lesser known tombs, many of which are equally as interesting. One example is an Egyptian-style pyramid located in the English section.
The cemetery is less than a 10-minute drive north from Plaza Muñoz Gamero in Punta Arenas’ city centre. Shared taxis stop here. Free parking is available in front of the entrance for those arriving by car. Get a little exercise by making the 20-minute walk from Plaza Muñoz Gamero.
Punta Arenas Cemetery is open daily. While in the area, visit the nearby Monumento al Ovejero, a monument dedicated to the shepherds and cattle-farming customs of Chile’s Magallanes province.