The Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is a colonial-era cemetery located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is the final resting place of many of Puerto Rico’s most prominent natives and residents. Construction began in 1863. The cemetery is located outside the walls of Fort San Felipe del Morro fortress, one of the island’s most famous landmarks. The average height of the wall is 40 feet, and the width ranges from 15 to 20 feet. It was named in honor of Saint Maria Magdalena de Pazzi.
The location of the cemetery is central to the Puerto Rican belief in the separation of death and life. The colonial Spanish government, at the time construction of the cemetery commenced, viewed death with fear because it was a mystery. Therefore, they decided to build the cemetery to overlook the Atlantic Ocean to symbolize the spirit’s journey to cross over to the afterlife.
Wikipedia contributors. “Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 12 Nov. 2023. Web. 12 Feb. 2024.
