The Paris Catacombs hold the remains of more than six million people, making it the largest underground ossuary in the world. This subterranean labyrinth was created in the late 18th century to solve a major public health crisis caused by the city's overflowing cemeteries. The transfer of remains from cemeteries like Saints-Innocents into the former limestone quarries took decades to complete, creating the haunting and historic site visitors see today.

How were the Catacombs created?

The creation of the Catacombs was a direct response to Paris's dangerously overcrowded cemeteries in the late 18th century. The city's largest graveyard, the Cemetery of the Innocents (Cimetière des Saints-Innocents), had been in use for nearly 10 centuries and was so full that the ground level had risen more than two metres. In May 1780, a basement wall in a building adjoining the cemetery collapsed under the weight of a mass grave, spilling corpses into the property. This gruesome event forced the authorities to close and condemn all cemeteries within the city walls.

The solution was to use the extensive network of limestone quarries that ran beneath the city. These tunnels, some dating back to the 14th century, were consolidated by a special quarry inspection service created by King Louis XVI in 1777. The site was consecrated as the “Paris Municipal Ossuary” on April 7, 1786, and the transfer of remains began. Nightly processions of black-covered wagons, accompanied by priests, transported the bones for over two years.

Surprising facts about the Paris Catacombs

Beyond the headline number of six million souls, the Catacombs are filled with centuries of unusual stories and details. Here are some of the most fascinating facts about this empire of the dead.

  1. It's the world's largest necropolis. The remains of more than six million Parisians rest here, more than the city's current living population.
  2. The tunnels are vast. The entire network of quarry tunnels under Paris stretches for over 300 kilometres (about 186 miles), but the public ossuary is only a small, 1.5-kilometre (just under a mile) section of this maze.
  3. The entrance warns visitors. A stone lintel above the entrance to the ossuary bears the inscription: “Arrête! C'est ici l'empire de la Mort” (Stop! This is the empire of Death).
  4. The bones are artfully arranged. Initially just a disorganised bone repository, the ossuary was transformed from 1810 by Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury, Director of the Paris Mine Inspection Service. He arranged the skulls and femurs into the macabre, artistic patterns seen today, including hearts and crosses.
  5. It was a royal attraction. Before it opened to the general public in 1809, the Catacombs were a curiosity for French royalty. The Count of Artois, the future King Charles X, visited in 1787. Later, Emperor Napoleon III descended with his son in 1860.
  6. Secret concerts have been held here. On April 2, 1897, a clandestine classical music concert was held in the ossuary for 100 guests, featuring Chopin's Funeral March and Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre.
  7. There's a special police force for the tunnels. An unofficial, illegal culture of exploration exists, carried out by so-called 'cataphiles'. A special police unit, the E.R.I.C., patrols the tunnels to prevent unauthorised access and underground parties.
  8. It's 20 metres (65 feet) deep. The visitor circuit is located 20 metres below street level, and visitors must descend 131 steps to enter and climb 112 steps to exit.
  9. The temperature is a constant 14°C (57°F). The underground tunnels maintain a cool and stable temperature year-round, so bringing a layer of clothing is recommended even in summer.
  10. Not all bones are on display. The bones come from numerous Parisian cemeteries and were transferred between the late 18th and mid-19th centuries. Plaques along the route indicate the original cemetery and the date of transfer.

Frequently asked questions

Are the skulls in the Paris Catacombs real?

Yes, the skulls and bones in the Paris Catacombs are all real human remains. They were transferred from Paris's overcrowded cemeteries between 1787 and 1860.

How long does it take to visit the Catacombs?

A typical self-guided visit through the 1.5 km public route takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Guided tours may last slightly longer, up to 90 minutes.

Why were the Catacombs built?

The Catacombs were created to solve a major public health crisis in 18th-century Paris. The city's cemeteries were overflowing, leading to unsanitary conditions, and the underground limestone quarries provided a viable location to store the remains.

Ready to explore this unique piece of Parisian history? The Catacombs offer a memorable and thought-provoking experience, but visitor numbers are limited. Be sure to book tickets online in advance to secure your spot and avoid long queues.