Dissidents Cemetery — Attraction in Valparaíso

Cementerio Disidentes in Valparaiso is the burial place for many non-Catholics who died in Chile starting in the early 1800's (19th century). Early in Chilean history, the country was officially a Catholic nation, and non-Catholics were not allowed to be buried in municipal cemeteries. This cemetery was created and contains the burial places of many foreigners who died in Chile, including sailors and other persons from USA, England, Europe, Asia, and many other places around the world.

This place is a treasure trove of genealogy for families who have European or American relatives who died in and around Valparaiso, Chile.

For those affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it may be of interest to know that a member, Fernando F. Caballero, a local Chilean (former regional representative in Chile) found documentation in the cemetery's record books that Omner Pratt, son of Parley P. Pratt and Phoebe Pratt, was buried there in January 1852. Omner Pratt died during Parley P. Pratt's (with with Phoebe) mission to Chile with Elder Rufus C. Allen when Chile was dedicated for the preaching of the Gospel. See...

Actually quite nice to walk around the cemeteries (even the outside) as it offers you a great view of the city, amongst some of the beautiful gardens within the cemetery itself.

The actual walk around the outside of the cemetery is covered in graffiti and looks a little merky, but as mentioned above, it offers great views...

El Cementerio de Disidentes está ubicado en el cerro Panteón al frente del Cementerio N° 1 y a un costado del Parque Cultural de Valparaíso, antigua Cárcel Pública. Fue construido en 1825 para los restos de residentes británicos y europeos que por su fe protestante diferían de la religión oficial del Estado, representada por la Iglesia Católica. Durante treinta años, este fue el único cementerio de Chile donde podían sepultar a personas de otras religiones distintas de la católica. El año 1883 se terminó la discriminación religiosa en los cementerios fiscales y...