If you are reading this, you are probably thinking “No this chick did not spend time in a cemetery.” I have to tell you my friend…I did. One of my favorite parts of travel is history…I mean obviously I spent time getting my master’s degree in it. The ability to walk down a street and know hundreds of thousands of other souls have done the same. Creepy and morbid, maybe, but also extremely humbling. When I can enter a church that has stood for hundreds of years before my visit and know it will be there long after me, is just a feeling I can’t put into words.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lies buried at St. Marx located in Vienna, Austria; active from 1784 until 1874 when they no longer could perform burials. The cemetery is located in the Leberstraße District of Austria and is so worth the trip. In America most people view cemeteries with a wary feeling, it’s not something you actively go to unlike in Europe where their cemeteries are unique and captivating.

America is a new country so although we have a rich history and old historic buildings on the east coast, we have nothing that can compare to Europe. They have a very old history, like really old. Back on topic, as I said I love old things so visiting a cemetery is really not that out there for me. I am a lover of both music and history and making time while I was in Vienna to visit Mozart was a must!

Once I found out the cemetery was indeed popular (there went my thought of being unique) I decided to visit the cemetery as early as possible. When I arrived, I was completely blown away, the cemetery was so gorgeous. Not something you would think but seriously it was beautiful!! I quickly started to explore the area and take it all in. 

Although I was there to see Mozart, I had interest in seeing the rest of the cemetery. It was truly amazing to see, and because I was there so early, I hardly saw another soul. Now I should point out I had my tripod and decided to take pictures while there. I’ll admit at first I wasn’t sure if that was appropriate. I asked an attendant and he said it was perfectly fine! The headstones were fascinating and so intricately carved, I wanted to commit them to film!

Once I made my way to the back of the cemetery there was a sign directing me to Mozart’s headstone. His was the only one that was so clean and white. I mean he kind of was the main attraction!

I have always been a huge fan of his work and to see where he rests was very humbling. Our lives are over before we even realize it, mere flashes of light in the span of history. It reminded me why I love to travel, why I pursue my passions even when it’s difficult. Living is the greatest gift we will ever receive and it’s important to never squander it. To do what you love and dream big and to always follow those dreams. Never give up, never quit not matter how tough it may seem. I strive to live with no regrets, to live my life to the fullest, to be an asset to society and to thank God for all the blessings I have even when they are hard to see. Yeah, I always get a little deep when doing things like this when travelling.

If you are ever in Vienna and have a few hours to spare, I encourage you to go to St. Marx cemetery. You won’t regret it, I promise!