There’s nothing more fascinating than the ancient history of a place. It becomes more interesting when it’s about the dark secrets hidden underneath the broad streets of Paris. The unbelievable story of Paris catacombs will encourage you to explore the haunted catacombs of Paris. Can you imagine, there could be something so sinister underneath the city of art and beauty? The iconic landmark has captured many tourist attractions with its dark origin.
However, walking through the dark and gloomy alley of the Catacombs will make you wonder what might happen here! Why were the Paris Catacombs built? Keep reading to learn more about the point of catacombs and the dark, unknown truth behind the veil.
Key Takeaways:
- Why are there catacombs in Paris? It was built to hold the remains of 6 million people.
- The differences between the French and Roman Catacombs are vast and filled with unique information.
- Why were the Paris Catacombs built? A dark and eerie history is behind it, read the article for more details.
- Among many interesting and weird Catacombs in Paris facts, here you will get our top 5 picks.
- Overall tips and guidance to visit the catacombs of Paris are being provided.
Why are there catacombs in Paris?
The original history of the Catacombs began way before the 18th century. To date, history has attracted more people, as humans are born curious. During World War 2, the Parisians used the tunnels to communicate and develop strategies. Hiding from Nazi Germany, they found a place where they could go and continue their communication for help. The crypts under the city streets are older than you think. It was created at the time of World War 2.
However, in the 18th century, the city faced various problems, and overflowing graveyards were one of them. The gas leaked from the overflowing graves, polluted the city, and created a national health crisis.
Thus, to eradicate this problem, the authorities of Paris took a major decision. They decided that they would relocate the remains from the graves. The tunnels under the city were selected as the new home for those remains. Thus, it became the empire of death.
The difference between the Roman Catacombs and the French Catacombs
The differences between the French catacombs and the Roman Catacombs are vast. These catacombs are nothing like each other, from the historical overview to the archaeological sites. Here are the most searched keen differences for you,
The French Catacombs:
- The Catacombs of Paris are renowned as the world’s largest graveyard or gravesite.
- When Paris was challenged with national sanitization issues, the tunnels were then resorted to use during the late 18th century.
- In the 1800s, the general inspector Héricart de Thury decided to rearrange the piles of human bones from different centuries.
- The catacombs were made open for the mass population to visit in 1809
- It took 12 years to transfer the remains of people from the Holy Innocents to the tunnels known as catacombs.
The Roman Catacombs:
- The catacombs of Rome have been used as cemeteries since the 2nd century.
- Performing Christianity was considered illegal during that time, thus, many Christians used these tunnels, which later became their forever home.
- The Domitilla Catacombs of Rome were mainly built for burial purposes, but they only hold 150,000 remains of bodies.
- The catacombs of Rome are known as the oldest catacombs in the world.
- The Roman catacombs were rediscovered accidentally in 1578.
Why were the Paris Catacombs built? Site History
During the 18th century, Paris was a different city. The growing population brought many problems along with it. The Holy Innocents cemetery in Paris was soon filled with graves, and the overflowing graveyards were one of the major problems. There were open graves everywhere, which were called “Puticuli”. They would reuse the graves after the bodies had dissolved.
Not too long after, the citizens started developing numerous health crises. Later, it was found that the leaked gas from the dead bodies polluted the city, further making it an issue of sanitization. Thus, the authorities had to come up with a solution to gain control of the situation.
However, Alexandre Lenoir soon decided to use the tunnels underneath the city streets, and the authorities permitted it. During the late 18th century, they started relocating the bodies from the Holy Innocents to the catacombs. It was known as the “Paris Municipal Ossuary.” Later, on 7th April 1786, it was changed to “Catacombs.”
The Catacombs were mainly a large tunnel used in World War II for communicating and hiding from Nazi Germany. Later, it became the resting place of 6 million dead people. It’s serving the purpose of a city to the death.
Interesting and Weird Catacombs of Paris Facts
The eerie and dark past of the Catacombs of Paris is not the only fact you should know about. Many weird and interesting catacomb stories would make your thriller-loving soul thirsty for adventure. Here are some top picks for interesting and weird Catacombs of Paris Facts,
Secret Societies
The most interesting rumours that you will ever hear about the catacombs are the secret societies that practice their rituals and hold meetings here. Fascinating enough? However, the rumours are not so questionable now, as the viral TikTok video provided sufficient evidence.
In 2004, the police officers discovered many people’s belongings, which hints at the existence of lives. But, when the officers came again to search, they were only left with a note stating, “Do not try to find us.”
Again, another shocking incident took place, when an anonymous group admitted to the formation of their secret societies. The secrets of the Paris Catacombs community are vast and dark. And until now, many secrets are waiting to be discovered, and people’s thirst for the unknown is increasing every day.
The woman in the white dress
You probably heard the story of a lost love in the catacombs of Paris. Yes, this woman in white attire is the same woman whose story is known to many people. Many visitors have reported seeing a woman in a white dress that portrays the fashion of the 19th century.
However, its accuracy is questionable, so this story remains an ongoing rumour. She is not a threat to anyone but just a lost soul looking for her long-lost love in the alley of the Catacombs.
The Royal Gallery in the Paris Catacombs
Paris is known for its nobility, culture, rich history, and art. The catacombs in Paris are no different than that. However, a royal gallery was created later inside the Catacombs of Paris to showcase their nobility.
The mushroom story
Hard to believe but not unbelievable, there are rumours about the ancient history of growing mushrooms inside the catacombs, known as the Champignons de Paris or the button mushrooms. People say the test of the mushrooms was different as they were grown inside the dark mines.
The gate of hell is in the Catacombs of Paris.
Just when you might think that the stories of the catacombs won’t surprise you anymore, there’s a twist about to be unleashed. Do you know that the haunted catacombs of Paris have famous rumours of having the gate of hell inside them?
Outside the city, there is a place named Barrière d’Enfer, also known as the Gate of Hell. Hence, the name The Empire of Deaths and Secrets perfectly suits the Catacombs of Paris.
Tips and Guidance on your trip to the Catacombs of Paris
After knowing the mysterious history, you might be eager to visit the catacombs of Paris. Here, you are going to be provided with all the information, tips, and guidance, including how to buy tickets for the Paris catacombs.
- When we travel to a new place, we often don’t know what to take with us or what to wear. So, when visiting the Paris Catacombs, remember to take comfortable clothes, something like you would wear on a hike. Then prepare a backpack with necessary items like a flashlight, a camera, and, of course, water.
- You have to buy tickets if you want to visit the Catacombs of Paris. For this, you can always go in person and stand in line to buy tickets. This method is not recommended as there might be a long line and you might not get the tickets.
- Go for the online ticket method. You can always visit the official website of the Paris Catacombs, but there are other websites too if you want to do research.
- You can visit the website Tours Travel Finder for Paris Catacombs tickets and audio-guided for a better experience.
Conclusion
Visiting the Catacombs in Paris is something that you should add to your bucket list. The history surrounding this place is dark and eerie. It will grab all your attention throughout the journey. If you’re still wondering, what the original purposes of the catacombs were, then you’re at the right place. This article on “Why were the Paris Catacombs built” covers all the information that you need before visiting through the dark tunnels of ancient history and the horror of the Catacombs. Here you will also find the pro guidance for visiting the catacombs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many bodies are in the Paris Catacombs?
The ancient Catacombs of Paris hold the remains of 6 million people to this day.
How big are the Paris Catacombs?
No one knows the accurate measurements of the Catacombs. But the measurement that was provided was that the Catacombs of Paris stretch over 200 miles. However, only a small portion is accessible to the public.
Do people live in the Paris Catacombs?
It is illegal to cross the accessible area, but there are rumours of people living inside the Catacombs. Many secret societies had formed down there.
What makes the Catacombs of Paris so dangerous? Is it safe to walk through them?
The Catacombs of Paris are not dangerous only for the supernatural rumours but for many other major issues like the unsafe ceilings, broken tunnels, and dark pits where people have gone lost.
Can I take pictures in the Paris Catacombs?
You are allowed to take pictures in the Paris Catacombs, but obstructing other visitors’ paths might get you into conflict.
