Five terrifying legends of the Cementerio General de Santiago (Santiago General Cemetery)
By: Hernan Claro - 23 October, 2024
In the Cementerio General de Santiago you will learn fascinating narratives and legends that tell the story of the very history of Chile.
Located in the district of Recoleta and founded more than 200 years ago, some of the most important figures in the history of Chile lie in this cemetery. Walking through its streets is a unique experience, where the tombs and mausoleums have architectural influences from different parts of the world.
To get you excited about a visit, here are five fascinating legends from the Cementerio General de Santiago de Chile.
Cover photo: Facebook Cementerio General
Five legends of the Cementerio General
La Llorona de la Capilla Verde (The Weeping Woman of the Green Chapel)
The tragic legend of La Llorona begins with a mother who was left in a coma after crashing her car with her two young children. When she woke up, the first thing she did was ask about the children. Although the order was not to say anything, a nurse revealed to her that they had died and were buried in the Capilla Verde in the Cementerio General.
Still wearing the hospital clothes, the woman immediately went to the appointed destination, but despite searching over and over, she never found the grave of her children. It is said that to this day she wanders around the Capilla Verde, and if you hear her cry up close, it is because she is far away, but, if you hear her cry far away, it is because she is right next to you.
Photo: @patrimoniochileno
The Jacket
A cab driver was driving near the Cementerio General when he was stopped by a young woman who wanted to go to a hospital. During the ride, the polite driver offered his jacket to the passenger, since it was winter, and she was dressed lightly.
When she got out, the woman handed her address to the cab driver: Los Naranjos 1245. However, the man could never find her, so he thought he had been tricked. It was a great surprise when he learned that it was a street in the cemetery and even greater was his surprise when he found his jacket on a grave there.
La Carmencita
La Carmencita is a woman who traveled to Santiago to look for work in a distant 1933. In the big city she fell in love with a notary, who promised her that he would leave his family to run away with her.
However, the man never fulfilled his promise, and La Carmencita died waiting for him. Over time, her story became known, and she became a saint for those who suffer the pains of love.
Surrounded by flowers and gifts, her gravestone reads; “You who are passing by. Pray to me. Leave a flower on my grave so that to God for you I will pray for your destiny and love”.
Photo: @nahumoficial
The Bride
The legend of the Bride had many versions. Some said she was a woman who died of sorrow because her groom did not arrive at her wedding, while others claimed she died when she tripped over her dress on the stairs of a church.
But it was a 17-year-old girl who died of peritonitis. His mother, full of grief, embalmed her, put her in a white dress and buried her in a glass coffin, visiting her once a week to comb her hair despite the decomposition of the body.
The Tomb of Federico Varela
Between courtyards 37 and 47 of the Cementerio General de Santiago you can find the mausoleum of Federico Varela, a well-known farmer, businessman and politician who some link with forbidden rituals. It is even said that occult practitioners go to the tomb to absorb cursed energy.
Only the bravest dare to visit this place. When passing by, be careful of what you see out of the corner of your eye.
Take part in a tour of the Cementerio General de Santiago
Did you like the stories? The Cementerio General has guided tours where you can learn more about its history.
The tours last about 90 minutes. There are daytime and nighttime options, while special activities are held on Halloween. They have an approximate value of 7,000 CLP (7.7 USD approximately) and can be booked at the following link.
Moreover, there are tour operators that offer tours inside the cemetery. Remember to choose services registered with Sernatur.
Photo: @ghostourchile
In Chile there are more than 20 cemeteries declared National Monuments, which have fascinating stories such as that of Herminio González in Concepción or Tito Lastarria in Rancagua, and in Punta Arenas you can find one of the most beautiful cemeteries in our country, more about which you can find out in the following article.
