Who, what, or where am I? #19
Where am I? And what is it?
2 Answers
Tulcan cemetery, Ecuador.
I am at the Cementerio de Tulcán in Ecuador.
In this topiary garden cemetery you will be totally amazed by all the beautiful sculptures found in every shape and form imaginable. Sr. José Azael Franco started creating this 'Escultura en verde del Campo Santo' in 1936, when the cemetery was formed. The tradition has since been carried on by his 5 sons who still produce beautiful pieces of work.
May 1984 the Cementerio de Tulcán was added to the Patrimonial Cultural del Estado.
Sr. Franco is buried here, under an epitaph that calls his creation "a cemetery so beautiful, it invites one to die."
The sculptures represent the flora and fauna of Ecuador and figures from Roman, Greek, Inca, and Aztec mythology, interspersed with arches, passageways, and intriguing geometric shapes.
The cemetery has become such an attraction that vendors sell souvenirs, candy and icecream outside the gates.
Needless to say, that tourists are expected to exercise discretion if a burial procession is in progress.
