l'Ossuaire Municipal, that lies beneath the streets of Paris like some hidden behemoth. For those who don't know, the catacombs are an underground ossuary, or a central mass burial ground that holds the remains of about six million people, dating back to Roman times. In my research I learned that while bodies were traditionally buried on the outskirts of the city, the ossuary was introduced after the rise of Christianity as a way to bury the faithful on consecrated ground -- in this case under a church.
Here is a link to the official museum site: http://www.catacombes.paris.fr/fr/les-catacombes
As you can see, the catacombs form a network of underground tunnels, but, as I learned, they are not as extensive as many people think. That is because the catacombs are often confused with the carrières or quarries of Paris, a series of networks of abandoned, underground mines spanning a total of 280 kilometers beneath the city. The catacombs occupy only a small fraction of these networks, and are the only portion of the quarries that are open to the public. Despite heavy fines and other penalties, explorers known as cataphiles frequently tour the other tunnels illegally. Here is a link to a National Geographic article about the tunnels. Check out the photo gallery - there are some great pictures. This is one of my favorites of some underground cave art:
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Have any of you ever toured the catacombs? Would you want to? I think I would but I would definitely be a little creeped out. Not my idea of a pleasant resting place either, but it's interesting to learn the history behind it. Tell me your thoughts!
Kate,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great use of the world "behemoth". Studying French for as long as I have, I've known about the catacombs for as long as I can remember and somehow throughout my 4 trips to Paris, I have yet to go see that. I have always wanted to, but for one reason or another I haven't had the chance to do so. The idea of this really intrigues me; however, personally I am fascinated by things such as graveyards so this is right up my alley. I think it is so cool (and also a bit weird) to have unknown bones that make up a certain era of time in France's history.
I am really glad that you came across the idea of how it would affect the ability for Paris to create buildings over a them. In thinking about it, I knew both concepts but never put two and two together.
In all, I think the catacombs would be an amazing site to visit and I would not be creeped out at all! My question is what is it that creeps you out exactly? Or is it just the insane amount of bones?
Yes, I think it's just the idea of all the bones, plus the fact that I'm claustrophobic, that would make it scary for me. I would still like to see it though. What I find most interesting, however, are the other caves beyond the catacombs. After reading that National Geographic article I became really intrigued by the 'cataphiles' who explore down there and paint murals and stuff. It's like a secret underground society, literally!
DeleteKate,
ReplyDeleteYou chose a great topic! I loved learning a bit more about the Catacombs. I've never been to the Catacombs, but I've wanted to for years and it's definitely on my to-do list when I get the opportunity to go back. I'm also eternally grateful to the Catacombs for preventing the building of skyscrapers in Paris. Also, haha, one behemoth prevents another behemoth. Dueling behemoths! To me, skyscrapers would entirely ruin the aesthetic of the city. I remember looking out at the city from one point or another, and truly appreciating the expansive view. I just think skyscrapers would be so out-of-place and jarring against the old-world beauty of the city.
One day I'll go there, and I'm interested to see what kind of effect that place would have on me. I'd imagine I'd be struck by the sheer magnitude, but I think there's also something to be said for a sense of almost connected-ness to the dead, if that makes sense. Interesting to think about!
Katie -
DeleteNice use of the phrase "dueling behemoths." I agree with you that Paris wouldn't be the same with a bunch of skyscrapers. That's part of it's charm, and it's interesting to know the reason behind it. I feel like understand the city a bit better. I hope you get the chance to visit the catacombs one day. I can see you getting into it.
I've never visited a catacomb, but I do think it would be an interesting experience! What is the smell like down there? Is it putrid? The word "putrid" just made me think about the princess bride, haha! If you don't know that movie...I apologize for clouding this post with that reference! Anyway, who is buried in the catacombs? Is it normal Joes like me, or royalty? What merited a catacomb burial? I saw that your article post referenced Christians burying their faithful. I'm wondering if it was just a way to give a "proper burial" to the deceased?
ReplyDeletePS...I think we could make an awesome scary movie called "cataphiles", about a group of deranged tunnel explorers that hunt other tunnel explorers. Just a thought...
Jason -
DeleteYou are exactly right. It was a cheap burial for common people. It was important to be buried on sacred ground and easiest solution was just to bury people under the church.
As far as the smell, I imagine it just smells kind of cold and damp but I don't really know. I have seen the Princess Bride but I don't remember the reference. I'll bet Katie does, though, she always gets refs!
Bow to her! Bow to the queen of filth! The queen of putrescence! Hahahaha...great movie.
DeleteI had no idea that Paris had their own catacombs! I only thought that Italy and Rome had them. How interesting! Where they built during the same time or by the same people? Thats super neat that they did the same burial practices even though they were in different parts.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
DeleteI don't think they were built by the same people but I'm guessing it was around the same time and for similar reasons. I guess it makes sense that they would have similar burial practices since they have been part of the same basic religious tradition since the time of the Roman empire.