Mount Auburn Cemetery

Today in Boston there were highs in the 50s and it was sunny, so it was an opportune time to explore some of the outdoor parks. I chose to got to Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA about 25 minutes from my apartment. It is indeed a national treasure, with beautiful landscaping, peaceful walkways and serene sculptures. It was hard for me to imagine that right outside its gates was a busy urban street. Mount Auburn was founded in 1831 as a public, natural setting for the commemoration of the bereaved. It has also became a place of international recognition for its landscaping, historic associations and monuments. 

I think it was especially captivating because of its size and the rolling hills that led me through a maze of graves, sculptures, architecture, trees and ponds. In the winter the trees are bear, and most of the plants are hibernating in the ground. It almost has a more grave look that many people relate to death and grieving, however, I found there was life everywhere. There were some sprouting bulbs, and hawks flying overhead. And in the winter foliage you found beauty in the many trees that filled the landscape (there are nearly 6,000 trees and over 700 varieties). 

With the rolling landscape, beautiful foliage, and interesting architecture and scenery, I am looking forward to my next visit to the Mount Auburn Cemetery when spring arrives.  

The landscape.

One of the budding flowers in front of the George Washington monument. 

Some interesting designs at the entrance of one of the memorials.

One of the various sculptures.

One of the hawks that was soaring through the clear blue sky. 

Beautiful stain glass windows in one of the chapels.