What is NecrotourRJ and how does it work?

NecrotourRJ was officially launched in November 2023 by Samantha Lobo, a 51-year-old teacher, educator and licensed tour guide from Rio de Janeiro. The project turns cemeteries into open-air classrooms, guiding visitors through history, architecture and the stories of notable figures buried there. Lobo spent 17 years teaching at a public school right behind the São Francisco Xavier Cemetery in the Caju neighbourhood, and that daily proximity sparked the idea.

Which cemeteries are on the itinerary?

Tours currently cover three iconic sites: São Francisco Xavier (Caju, North Zone), São João Batista (Botafogo, South Zone) and the Cemitério da Penitência. Each stop reveals tales of artists, historical personalities and events that shaped the city. Among the most popular themes are real-crime tours — which focus on historical femicide cases — and atmospheric night visits.

Who shows up for a cemetery tour?

Demand has surprised even Lobo herself. A single night tour at Cemitério da Penitência drew 120 people, and a visit to São João Batista attracted 102 participants. Notably, 60–70 % of the audience on the crime-themed routes are women. "I'm blown away — far more people love cemeteries than I ever imagined," she says.

How much does a tour cost?

Accessibility is central to the project's mission. Group tours run on a solidarity-contribution model: there is a suggested price, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Sponsored tours are also organised — a recent free outing for children was supported by Cemitério da Penitência. Private tours last three hours and cost R$ 250 for up to two people, with an additional R$ 50 per extra participant, accommodating groups of up to 12.

Why does Lobo call it "more life than death"?

For Lobo, cemeteries are living encyclopaedias. "Inside a cemetery you can teach philosophy, sociology, Portuguese, history — you can teach everything," she explains. Despite early scepticism from colleagues who thought she was "crazy" for wanting to bring students to such places, she persisted, and NecrotourRJ now runs every weekend and on public holidays alongside her regular teaching job.

Key Facts:
  • Founded: November 2023 by educator and guide Samantha Lobo, 51.
  • Cemeteries covered: São Francisco Xavier, São João Batista, Cemitério da Penitência.
  • Record attendance: 120 people at a single night tour.
  • Private tour price: R$ 250 for 1–2 people; R$ 50 per additional guest (max 12).
  • Group tours use a solidarity-contribution model — no one is excluded.
  • 60–70 % of crime-route visitors are women.