The cemetery covers 138 acres and contains the tombs of thousands of people- some humble, some famous. The cemetery was designed by Spanish architect Calixti Aureliano Loira, and the first stone was laid in 1871.

Today, the entire area is covered with tombs, mostly made of fine marble. The cemetery is often described as an open-air museum. The wealthiest families erected enormous tombs or mausoleums, their size reflecting the family’s status. Some resemble Grecian temples complete with marble columns. One of the most famous tombs is dedicated to the firemen who died in Havana’s great fire of 1890. Another visited by dozens of people daily, is known as the Miraculous One. It is the tomb of Amelia Goyri de Hoz., who was credited with miraculous healing powers.