Atuona Cemetery, Cemetery and tourist attraction in Hiva Oa, French Polynesia.
Atuona Cemetery sits on a hillside in French Polynesia, with graves arranged in tiers that step down the slope. The location overlooks both the village below and the water beyond.
The cemetery grew in importance when notable figures chose it as their final resting place over the decades. This drew attention from around the world to this remote island location.
Visitors place shell necklaces and fresh flowers on the graves as a way to honor the deceased, following practices rooted in local tradition.
You can walk around the cemetery during daylight hours and explore the pathways between the graves. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven in places.
An artwork marks the resting place of a famous post-impressionist painter, while an engraved stone identifies a Belgian musician buried here. These two graves draw visitors from around the world.
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