Calvary Cemetery Atuona

Calvary Cemetery (Cimetière du Calvaire) in Atuona, Hiva Oa, is a site of immense cultural significance and serene beauty in French Polynesia. Perched on a steep hillside overlooking Atuona Bay, the cemetery provides a striking vista of the jagged volcanic peaks and the vast Pacific Ocean. It is internationally renowned as the final resting place of the Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin, who passed away in Atuona in 1903. His grave, marked by a simple mound of volcanic stones, remains a focal point for art enthusiasts worldwide. Nearby lies the grave of the legendary Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, who spent his final years on the island and was buried here in 1978. Reaching the cemetery requires a hike up a winding path, but the journey features a peaceful moment of reflection amidst tropical flora. The site transcends its function as a burial ground, serving as a spiritual pilgrimage for those drawn to the creative spirits who sought refuge and inspiration in the remote Marquesas Islands.

Nearby cities

Faa'a

Faa'a is the most populous commune in French Polynesia, located directly west of the capital Papeete.

Papeete

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and the primary economic hub located on the island of Tahiti.

Pirae

Pirae is an urban commune east of Papeete that hosts major medical and administrative facilities.

Mahina

Mahina is a coastal commune in northern Tahiti, famous for the historical Point Venus and black sand beaches.

Papara

Papara is an extensive commune on the southern coast of Tahiti, known for its agriculture and wide beaches.

Arue

Arue is a commune in northeastern Tahiti that offers a mix of industrial areas and exclusive residential neighborhoods.

Toahotu

Toahotu is a commune at the entrance of the Tahiti Iti peninsula, known for its white sand beaches and coconut groves.

Taravao

Taravao is a strategically important town located on the isthmus connecting the two peninsulas of Tahiti.

Afaahiti

Afaahiti is a commune on the Tahiti Iti peninsula, bordering the important commercial center of Taravao.

Mataiea

Mataiea is a picturesque coastal commune on the southern shore of Tahiti, renowned for its lush botanical gardens and serene beaches.

Mataiea

Mataiea is a village in southern Tahiti known for its lush vegetation and historical links to Paul Gauguin.

Papeari

Papeari is a coastal village on Tahiti famous for its natural beauty and the Paul Gauguin Museum.

Tiarei

Tiarei is a village on the northeast coast of Tahiti, famous for its impressive waterfalls and blowhole.

Vairao

Vairao is a fishing village on the Tahiti Iti peninsula, known for its research stations and lagoon.

Tautira

Tautira is a remote village at the end of the road on the northern side of Tahiti Iti, famous for its history and nature.

Nature

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Mount Heani

Mount Heani is a significant peak on the island of Hiva Oa, reaching an elevation of 1,016 meters.

Mount Temetiu

Mount Temetiu is the highest mountain on the island of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands, at 1,276 meters.

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Mount Vaiua

Mount Vaiua is the highest peak on the island of Tahuata in the Marquesas, reaching 1,050 meters.

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Mohotani Nature Reserve

Mohotani is a protected island in the southern Marquesas.

More places

Papeete Town Hall

Papeete Town Hall is a magnificent colonial-style building that resembles the former palace of Queen Pomare.

Statue of the Virgin Hiva Oa

A distinctive white statue on a hilltop overlooking Atuona Bay.

Me'ae Ipona

This cult site on Hiva Oa houses the largest Tikis in French Polynesia.

St. Anne Church Fatu Hiva

The main Catholic church of Omoa village on Fatu Hiva island.