One of the most romantic places in the world- Paris is every lover’s go-to destination. It is also known for its par-excellence wine and dine experience and is an ideal place for your luxury shopping. The City of Lights attracts fashion lovers, art lovers and food enthusiasts from across the world to delve into its elite richness and embrace the vibe of the city. But who knew that this romantic destination’s underground space would be filled with the true horrors of its past?
The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries (containers or rooms in which the bones of dead people are placed) in Paris, France, which have the remains of more than six million people. Many centuries before instead of burying the dead away from residential places, settlements began with cemeteries near the centre.
In 1130, the burial ground had turned into the city’s main cemetery which by the end of the century was overflowing with dead bodies. To make room for more burials, the older dead bodies had to be exhumed and their bones were then packed into the roof and walls of the galleries in the cemetery. By the 18th century, the central burial ground was 6.6 feet high and filled with dead Parisians along with the remains from a hospital and morgue.
The solution to this was to use the mine nearby. In 1786, human bones from all the sites were collected and taken to the underground mine. The nightly processions of wagons carrying human bones from all the sites in the city were collected, covered and taken to this mine. It was reportedly carried out in secrecy without the outside world knowing about it. All these skeletons were then lined up against the walls of the catacombs.
What was built as an immediate solution to a complex problem quickly became a place of attraction that left many curious. In the early 19th century, it saw many visitors and also became a place for concerts and private events. After reconstruction and renovations, it was once again reopened for public visitation in 1874. If you are seeking out some thrill and want to experience the horrors of the city’s past, then you must visit the catacombs.
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