... Necropolis (Glasgow Necropolis)
The word derived from the Ancient Greek word, nekropolis--literally meaning, City of the Dead--a necropolis is, by all rights, a cemetery, but, it is laid some distance from whatever town/place where its future residents currently dwell--instead of in the city proper, the way many modern cemeteries are laid. It was typically an ancient practice, to lay the deceased in a monument-filled "city" far enough away that the area was silent and reverent enough so noises from the "living" towns would not disturb.
A more recent necropolis, however, that I think deserves equal attention for its solemn beauty is the Glasgow Necropolis. Established in 1832 and some distance east of St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow, Scotland, this Necropolis is home to some 50,000 residents.
The cemetery lanes meander along the hilly Scottish topography, gifting the architecture a naturally peaceful accompaniment. And, one gets the feeling while traversing the soft paths (even through the photos themselves) that Glasgow Necropolis isn't somewhere that suffers the living any longer than it has to---
The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?
---Edgar Allan Poe
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| The Rich Man/Miser |
The word derived from the Ancient Greek word, nekropolis--literally meaning, City of the Dead--a necropolis is, by all rights, a cemetery, but, it is laid some distance from whatever town/place where its future residents currently dwell--instead of in the city proper, the way many modern cemeteries are laid. It was typically an ancient practice, to lay the deceased in a monument-filled "city" far enough away that the area was silent and reverent enough so noises from the "living" towns would not disturb.A more recent necropolis, however, that I think deserves equal attention for its solemn beauty is the Glasgow Necropolis. Established in 1832 and some distance east of St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow, Scotland, this Necropolis is home to some 50,000 residents.
The cemetery lanes meander along the hilly Scottish topography, gifting the architecture a naturally peaceful accompaniment. And, one gets the feeling while traversing the soft paths (even through the photos themselves) that Glasgow Necropolis isn't somewhere that suffers the living any longer than it has to---
Every quiet breeze seems to whisper---
Tread softly!
Here ye be but a guest,
whilst yer lungs still draw breath!
Wow that really is beautiful. I enjoy visiting old cemeteries - when I was young we used to take "rubbings" of the more ornate stones.
ReplyDeleteI love old cemeteries too--- they are always so peaceful...
DeleteThat is probably the most breathtaking cemetery I have ever seen!
ReplyDeleteI know. I'd love to visit one day :-)
DeleteWe have a huge necropolis in Cairo, but it isn't quaint, rural, and romantic like the pics here. It's a sprawling, city of the dead, and it's normal for people and their families to live there, surrounded by mausoleums and bones. Great pick for "N"!! :)
ReplyDeleteThe living "living" with the dead...now that's an interesting concept, lol...
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