Catacombs of Paris – underground cemetery
Catacombs of Paris – underground cemetery
People often associate the city on the banks of the Seine with something pleasant and romantic: kisses on top of the Eiffel Tower, cozy cafes, and chic shops. However, there is also a place in this city that gives you goosebumps – the catacombs of Paris.
The history of the catacombs of Paris
As is known from some sources, the first quarries were located under the current Luxembourg Gardens, where the castle of Vauvert was located. After some time, the underground city expanded so much that it reached the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Vaugirard, Gobelin and the Val de Grace hospital.
In the 13th century, monks stored wine in caves, but they also continued to intensively mine limestone. The area of the residential part of the city increased significantly, and in the 17th century the catacombs near Paris reached the outskirts of the city.
Suddenly, another serious problem was discovered in Paris – the city's cemeteries were overcrowded. In addition, in 1780, the wall that separated one of the cemeteries from residential buildings fell, as a result of which the basements overflowed with human remains. The city authorities decided to move the cemetery underground. At the moment, the skeletons of 6 million people are stored in the catacombs of Paris.
Paris Catacombs Tour
Today, tourists have the opportunity to explore 2.5 kilometers of tunnels. Each visitor can choose whether to get acquainted exclusively with the historical exposition or to include an inspection of the remains of the graves in the program.
During the walk there is an opportunity to see stone wells, Samaritan fountain, various inscriptions on the slabs and rare tombs.
The catacombs of Paris are a place where cataphiles (people who explore underground Paris) meet. You can use them to get outside the tourist area, but if you are caught by a patrol, you will have to pay a fine of 60 €.
Interesting facts
The area of the underground passages reaches 11 thousand square meters, and the length is 187-300 km.
Famous people buried in the catacombs of Paris: Maximilian Robespierre, Blaise Pascal, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Jean-Paul Marat, Charles Perrault.
Emperor Napoleon III electrified the underground galleries, where he received important guests.
In 1793, the catacombs in Paris became a cemetery for the caretaker of the Val de Grace church, Philibert Asper, who wanted to explore the labyrinths, but got lost. His skeleton was discovered only 11 years later. Быстрое и правильное оформление апостиля и легализации экономит время и деньги. В компании ЮСТ групп Киев вы получаете комплексное обслуживание: справки МВД, апостиль МИД, дубликаты свидетельств, регистрацию торговых марок и помощь в браке с иностранцем. Наши юристы имеют многолетнюю практику и прямые каналы взаимодействия с государственными органами. Мы гарантируем прозрачность на каждом этапе и полное соответствие документов международным стандартам. Тысячи довольных клиентов уже воспользовались нашими услугами и рекомендуют UST Group как надежного партнера.
