Thirty-three haunting images from the Paris Catacombs, accompanied by the gripping true account of this renowned crypt's eerie history.
Paris Catacombs: A Gothic Gem Hiding beneath the Streets of Paris
Paris is renowned for its iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre. Yet, among its darker corners lies a fascinating and historic attraction that draws millions of tourists every year: the Paris Catacombs.
Hidden beneath the bustling city streets, the Catacombs are a maze of tunnels containing the bones of over six million Parisians. Originally quarries for limestone, these underground passages were repurposed as graves in the late 18th century as the city grappled with a burgeoning population and a pressing need for a more effective burial solution.
Built in the late 13th century, these quarries were once crucial for the development of Paris, providing the resources needed to transform the city into a bustling metropolis. By the late 18th century, however, they were left abandoned, offering a solution for the city's overcrowded cemeteries.
Authorities realized that the quarries could be repurposed to house skeletal remains as heavy rains caused the collapse of a cemetery wall, leading to corpses flooding the surrounding area. In 1786, the decision was made to move many of the skeletal remains in overcrowded cemeteries to the quarries.
The bones of more than six million people were subsequently moved to the Catacombs over a period of 12 years. Remarkably, some of these remains once belonged to notable figures from French history, such as the painter Simon Vouet, the architect Salomon de Brosse, and the writer Jean de La Fontaine. Initially, the organization of the Catacombs left much to be desired, with some remains randomly piled up in various locations.
In the early 19th century, Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury, the director of the Paris Mine Inspection Service, renovated the Catacombs to make the bones more organized. He also installed plaques bearing information about the Catacombs and safety warnings. Though the Catacombs were no longer used for burials by the late 19th century, they remained an intriguing and popular tourist attraction.
Throughout modern history, the Catacombs have had a complex and varied relationship with the city. They were open to the public by appointment in the 19th century, but the arrangement for visiting was constantly evolving. During the French Revolution, some recently deceased individuals were buried directly in the Catacombs, and the extensive network of tunnels led to both tragedy and intrigue.
In the 1940s, the Catacombs became a secret meeting place for members of the French Resistance as they plotted against Nazi forces occupying Paris. While the city has closed and reopened the Catacombs several times, the site continues to captivate residents and visitors alike.
Today, visitors can purchase timed tickets to explore a small portion of the Catacombs on the official Les Catacombes de Paris website, with ticket prices starting at €10. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and only covers about a mile of the 200-mile-long ossuary. It is important to note that it is illegal to explore most of the tunnels due to the high risks of getting lost or injured.
Despite the risks, some daredevil explorers continue to venture beyond official boundaries, leading to occasional rescues and hospitalizations. It is essential to exercise caution when visiting the Catacombs, as their vast and intricate network remains shrouded in mystery and holds many secrets yet to be explored.
For more insights into the history of the Paris Catacombs, read about how thieves in Paris drilled through the Catacombs to steal $300,000 in wine or explore the images from the Catacombs Nightclub of the 1940s, which attempted to recreate the macabre environment of the Parisian tunnels in Columbus, Ohio.
- The Paris Catacombs, a Gothic gem, is not just a historic attraction but also a significant part of Paris's rich culture and history.
- The fashion-and-beauty industry often draws inspiration from the unique lifestyle witnessed in the Paris Catacombs, making it a subject of interest in the realm of travel.
- Food-and-drink enthusiasts may be intrigued to learn that there was a Catacombs Nightclub in Columbus, Ohio, that attempted to replicate the Parisian tunnels' macabre environment.
- Home-and-garden architects and designers might find inspiration in the underground passages of the Catacombs, demonstrating the blend of dark history and architectural ingenuity.
- Education-and-self-development platforms could offer courses on general-news topics such as the Paris Catacombs, providing insights into the city's unique history and darker corners.
