Paris Catacombs history: From 1774–present day

Origins: The Roman quarries

In the 1st century CE, Romans mined limestone from the banks of the Seine to construct Lutetia, the predecessor of Paris. These quarries supplied stone for structures across the city, including amphitheaters and baths. As Paris expanded over the centuries, these ancient tunnels remained underground, largely forgotten.

Paris grows, cemeteries overflow

By the 18th century, Paris faced a population boom that caused severe overcrowding in cemeteries, especially Holy Innocents, which had been in use for over 500 years. Decaying bodies from mass graves contaminated wells and air, creating major health hazards. The situation worsened as grave walls collapsed under pressure from decomposing remains. With shrinking burial space and escalating sanitation concerns, the city had no choice but to seek drastic solutions.

A crisis ignites action

In 1774, a catastrophic mine collapse in Montmartre caused significant destruction, prompting action from King Louis XVI’s administration. By 1777, the Inspection Générale des Carrières was established to manage and reinforce Paris’s underground tunnels.

Around the same time, a wall at the Holy-Innocents Cemetery collapsed, spilling human remains into nearby buildings. To address both overcrowded cemeteries and the risk of further mine collapses, authorities began relocating human remains to the newly reinforced tunnels. This monumental operation transformed abandoned quarries into burial sites, solving two critical issues at once.

The transformation of tunnels

Between 1785 and 1787, nightly processions transported remains from Holy-Innocents and other cemeteries to underground ossuaries. Workers reinforced the tunnels to support the immense weight of millions of bones. Carefully arranged to maximize space, the remains were organized into large galleries. This process transformed crumbling quarries into solemn passageways, resolving Paris’s burial crisis while preserving its underground infrastructure.

The ossuary takes shape

By the late 1780s, millions of bones were relocated to the tunnels, creating an extensive underground ossuary. Workers arranged the remains into walls, patterns, and memorial displays, blending artistry with macabre. Sourced from over 150 cemeteries, these bones represent centuries of Parisian history. Commemorative plaques marked origins, transforming the ossuary into a space of remembrance. Over time, this haunting network became known as the Catacombs—a unique fusion of burial ground and historical artifact, reflecting Paris’s response to urban challenges.

Opening to the public

The Catacombs officially opened to visitors in 1809, drawing mourners and the curious alike. Its eerie atmosphere and uniquely arranged bones quickly earned it a reputation as a mysterious and fascinating site. Early visitors, including writers and artists, found inspiration in its haunting beauty. Over time, the Catacombs evolved into one of Paris’s most intriguing attractions, blending solemn remembrance with morbid fascination.