Paris Catacombs

The Catacombs of Paris are an underground labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that house the remains of over six million Parisians. Located beneath the streets of the city, the catacombs are one of the most fascinating and mysterious attractions in Paris, representing a place where history, architecture, and anthropology intertwine in a unique and evocative setting. The origin of the catacombs dates back to the late 18th century, when Paris was facing a serious health problem caused by the overcrowding of urban cemeteries. The Cemetery of the Innocents, located in the Les Halles district, was the largest and most overcrowded. The sanitary conditions were disastrous, with negative consequences for public health. It was in 1786, on the order of the Council of State, that the transfer of bones from city cemeteries to the ancient limestone quarries located beneath Paris began. The limestone quarries, from which the stone used to build many of the city’s historic buildings was extracted, extend for kilometers beneath the Parisian soil. These galleries were deemed the ideal place to accommodate human remains, and the transfer work continued for several years, until the early 19th century. During this period, the bones were transported at night, in solemn processions, to avoid disturbing the population. The name “catacombs” was inspired by the Roman catacombs, but the Parisian ossuary has a character all its own. The skeletons were arranged with a precision and aesthetic attention that give the catacombs an almost artistic appearance. The bones, arranged in decorative patterns, create an impressive and macabre visual effect at the same time. The walls of the galleries are lined with skulls and femurs, carefully arranged to form columns, crosses, and other symbolic figures. One of the most emblematic sections of the catacombs is the “Barrel of Passions” (Baril des Passions), where the bones are arranged to form a barrel motif symbolizing the fragility of life and the transience of human existence. This and other artistic compositions in the catacombs offer a visual reflection on mortality and the vanity of earthly concerns. The catacombs are not just an ossuary, but also a historical and cultural monument. During the French Revolution, some of the most illustrious figures of the time, such as Robespierre and Danton, visited these underground tunnels. Over the centuries, the catacombs have been the subject of curiosity and exploration by many, including writers and artists. Victor Hugo, in his famous novel “Les Misérables,” describes the catacombs as a mysterious and unsettling labyrinth, reflecting the collective imagination associated with this enigmatic place. The catacombs complex is vast and extends for about 300 kilometers beneath the city. However, only a small part is open to the public. Visitors can access the catacombs from an entrance located in the Denfert-Rochereau district, in the 14th arrondissement. A staircase of about 130 steps leads into the heart of the underground galleries, where the humidity and constant temperature of about 14 degrees Celsius create a unique and somewhat eerie atmosphere. The catacombs have also been at the center of more recent events, such as the discovery in 2004 of a clandestine cinema room. A group of urban explorers, known as “cataphiles,” had set up a space complete with a screen, projector, and seating, used for secret screenings. This episode sparked great media interest and revealed the existence of a community of enthusiasts who explore the catacombs outside of official tourist routes. The management of the catacombs is entrusted to the Parisian public entity responsible for the conservation and enhancement of the city’s historical heritage. Over the years, significant efforts have been made to ensure the safety of visitors and to preserve this unique site. The catacombs are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Paris, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from around the world every year.