New Orleans sits below sea level. CONSEQUENTLY, the city employs above ground graves to house its departed. The ghosts of Civil War soldiers, Yellow Fever victims, and other unfortunate souls are said to walk these so-called “Cities of the Dead.” Hovering above them all, however, is the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, the most respected and powerful priestess in New Orleans history. Local legend says to knock three times on her tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Mark the tomb with “XXX” in chalk, knock three times again then make your wish. Leave an offering and she may heed your call. So many have come a-knocking, in fact, that the Archdiocese of New Orleans recently closed the cemetery to the public. All visitors must now acquire a licensed tour guide before entering.

we went in 2013 and you could walk around on your own....hmmmm.