Beyond the tombstones, at the back of St. Roch cemetery in the US city of New Orleans, Louisiana, lies the shrine of St. Roch, dedicated to the 14th century Catholic saint, who was known to have miraculous healing powers. Legend has it that when Saint Roch arrived in Italy, Europe was in the midst of yet another plague epidemic. Saint Roch visited hospitals throughout the country taking care of the sick, and many is said to have been cured by his healing touch.

The shrine at St. Roch cemetery is located inside a small two-room building. The main room contains an altar with a statue of St. Roch and his little dog by his side. To the right of the altar is a small side room with an arched door. This room is of particular interest.

Photo credit: Infrogmation of New Orleans/Flickr