the catacombs of paris

Quartier de la caserne © DAC - Christophe Fouin

The name of ‘Catacombs’ was given to this ossuary in reference to those of Rome, a name originally given to an ancient cemetery not far from the Appian Way. The Cemetery of the Innocents (near Saint-Eustache, in the area of Les Halles) had been in use for nearly ten centuries and had become a source of infection for the inhabitants of the locality. After numerous complaints, the Council of State decided, on November 9th 1785, to prohibit further use of the Cemetery of the Innocents and to remove its contents. These disused quarries were the destination for the human remains, the transfer of which began in early April, 1786, and continued for two years, always at nightfall. Thereafter, until 1814, the site received the remains from all the cemeteries in Paris.

Quartier de la caserne © DAC - Christophe Fouin

THE CATACOMBS: IN ILLUSTRIOUS COMPANY

Since their creation, the ossuary has aroused curiosity. In 1787, the Count d’Artois, the future Charles X, made the descent, along with Ladies of the Court. The following year a visit from Madame de Polignac and Madame de Guiche is mentioned. In 1814, Francis I, the Emperor of Austria living victoriously in Paris, visited them. In 1860, Napoleon III went down with his son.