The Catacombs of Paris
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explore the fascinating underground world of the Paris Catacombs. Originally created from centuries of limestone mining, the catacombs were transformed into an ossuary in the 1700s to address overcrowding in the city's cemeteries. At one point, the final resting place for over 6 million Parisians.
The hosts delve into the catacombs' history, from their organization and utilitarian purposes like mushroom farming, to their modern role as a tourist attraction. They also examine the activities of "cataphiles" - an underground subculture dedicated to respecting the catacombs' history through creative pursuits and explorations within restricted areas.
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1-Page Summary
History and Origins of the Paris Catacombs
The catacombs are an extensive maze beneath Paris formed from centuries of limestone mining activity. As Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explain, the creamy gray Lutetian limestone used in the city's iconic buildings was mined extensively over 2,000 years, creating voids that later became unstable under urban expansion.
By the 18th century, overcrowded cemeteries posed a public health risk. To address this, King Louis XVI established the Inspection Générale des Carrières (IGC) in 1777. From 1785-1787, the IGC transferred remains from overcrowded graveyards into the former mining tunnels, creating the Paris Ossuary (later the Paris Catacombs).
Organization and Use of the Catacombs Over Time
Catacombs Solved Burial and Sanitation Issues
The catacombs served as the final resting place for over 6 million Parisians whose remains were transferred from overcrowded cemeteries above ground. Initially bones were dumped haphazardly, but in 1810 a quarry inspector initiated ornate ossuary displays.
Used For Non-Burial Purposes
The isolated catacombs provided ideal conditions for activities like monks' chartreuse production and mushroom farming (1,000 tons annually by the 19th century). Their stable temperature also made them useful for clandestine alcohol brewing to avoid high Paris rents. The catacombs offered refuge for various groups seeking concealment, from revolutionaries to WWII factions.
The Catacombs as a Modern-Day Tourist Attraction
Napoleon opened limited catacomb tours in 1809, recognizing their potential as an attraction. Today they remain a popular Paris destination, with thousands visiting the eerie bone displays and descending into the belly of the catacombs each year.
Illegal Activity in Restricted Catacombs Areas
"Cataphiles" Respect Catacombs' History
The "cataflics" police patrol restricted areas to catch illegal visitors like the subculture of "cataphiles." True cataphiles showing dedication often escape severe punishment due to their perceived respect for catacomb traditions compared to casual trespassers.
Clark and Bryant note cataphiles have hosted events like movie screenings and pursued creative activities below ground since the 1800s. However, the catacombs have also enabled criminal theft and bone-selling schemes considered highly disrespectful.
1-Page Summary
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Actionables
- You can explore local history by visiting nearby historical sites or underground spaces to gain a deeper appreciation for the layers of history beneath modern cities. Just as the Paris Catacombs reveal a hidden side of Paris, many cities have their own underground secrets. For example, you might visit old bunkers, abandoned subway stations, or historical basements in your area, taking guided tours if available to ensure safety and respect for the sites.
- Create a themed art project inspired by the transformation of the Paris Catacombs from a burial site to a cultural phenomenon. This could involve crafting a series of paintings, sculptures, or digital art pieces that depict how spaces can evolve over time, reflecting on the juxtaposition of life and death, history and modernity. Share your work on social media or local art shows to engage with others interested in historical and cultural themes.
- Engage in ethical urban exploration by researching and documenting the history of lesser-known local sites, ensuring to follow laws and respect the spaces. Similar to how cataphiles respect the catacombs, you can become an advocate for the preservation and appreciation of local historical sites. Compile your findings in a blog or a video series, focusing on the stories and significance of these places without disturbing their integrity.
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History and Origins of the Paris Catacombs
The catacombs of Paris, an intricate maze beneath the city, are rooted in its geological and urban history.
Catacombs From Centuries of Limestone Mining in Paris
The catacombs originated from extensive limestone mining activities. Lutetian limestone, responsible for the distinctive creamy gray appearance of the iconic city structures, was formed approximately 45 million years ago during the Lutetian period after an erosion event. This era led to the deposition of Lutetian, or Paris rock, which was later extensively mined, creating an expansive network of tunnels and underground voids stretching over 2,000 years.
Paris Underground Tunnel Problem
As Paris grew, the city limits expanded beyond the borders of the old quarries. Consequently, the progressive urban sprawl overtook these former mines. This expansion inadvertently led to various infrastructure problems due to the city being built over these abandoned voids, resulting in hollow ground in many areas. Sinkholes and building collapses became common, reflecting the unstable ground conditions that plagued the burgeoning city.
18th-Century Paris Cemetery Overcrowding Led To IGC's Catacombs Oversight
By the 18th century, Paris faced the severe issue of overcrowded cemeteries which contributed to spreading disease. In 1777, King Louis XVI established the Inspection Générale des Carrières (IGC) to reconcile this public health concern. Charles Axel Guillaumot, appointed as the chief inspector, was tasked with reinforcing underground mines to prevent additional collapses and beginning the transfer ...
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History and Origins of the Paris Catacombs
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your city's history by visiting local archives or libraries to learn about its geological and architectural past. Understanding the foundation your city is built on can give you a greater appreciation for its structure and history, much like Parisians have with the Lutetian limestone. You might discover interesting facts about the buildings you see every day or the ground you walk on.
- Create a personal safety plan for your home by researching the geological risks in your area. Just as Paris faced issues with sinkholes, your region might have its own natural risks. Find out if there are any abandoned mines, fault lines, or flood plains nearby, and then develop a plan for what to do in case of an emergency related to these geological features.
- Engage in a creative writing project where you imagine the stories of people ...
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Organization and Use of the Catacombs Over Time
The catacombs of Paris have served various purposes throughout history, beginning as a solution to burial and sanitation issues and evolving into a space for both legal and illegal activities.
Catacombs Solve Paris' Burial and Sanitation Issues
The catacombs are a vast network of underground tunnels that became the final resting place for over six million Parisians. They were developed in response to severe overcrowding in Paris cemeteries, which had caused numerous sanitation problems in the city. The bones from these cemeteries were moved underground into the catacombs, serving as ornate ossuaries.
Cemetery Bones Moved Underground As Ossuary Displays
Initially, the transferred bones were simply dumped into the mine shafts, accumulating at the bottom. However, in 1810, a creative quarry inspector initiated a more artistic approach to organizing the bones, transforming these dumps into structured ossuary displays without individual identification.
Catacombs Served Various Purposes Beyond Bone Storage
The catacombs have historically been used for more than just bone storage due to their stable temperature and secluded location.
Monks Used Catacombs For Chartreuse Production and Mushroom Farming
Notably, monks utilized the catacombs to produce chartreuse, a process likely shielded from the public eye due to the isolation the catacombs provided. The conditions within the catacombs also proved ideal for mushroom farming — a significant industry within these tunnels from the 19th century, with around a thousand tons of mushrooms produced annually.
Catacombs Facilitated Illegal Activities Like Brewing Alcohol and Evading Authorities
Moreover, the catacombs were exploi ...
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Organization and Use of the Catacombs Over Time
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your city's history by visiting local cemeteries and researching their origins, which can give you a deeper appreciation for how historical issues were addressed and how they compare to modern solutions. For example, you might find that your city had similar challenges to Paris and discover how they were resolved, which can provide a unique perspective on urban development and public health.
- Grow mushrooms at home using a mushroom growing kit to experience a small-scale version of the catacombs' agricultural use. This can be a fun and educational way to understand the conditions that made the catacombs suitable for mushroom farming, and you'll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
- Write a short story or create a piece of art in ...
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The Catacombs as a Modern-Day Tourist Attraction
The catacombs of Paris, a labyrinth of old quarry tunnels beneath the city that hold the remains of millions of Parisians, serve as a fascinating and somewhat macabre tourist attraction with a rich history.
In 1809, Napoleon Opened Public Catacomb Tours
Napoleon decided to open the catacombs for public tours in the year 1809, transforming the subterranean ossuary into an attraction. Initially, these catacomb tours were limited, being available only once a month or quarterly and exclusively for Parisian citizens. Over time, as the potential financial benefits became apparent, tours were opened more broadly to the public.
Catacombs Access Limited to Select Public Areas
For preservation and safety reasons, access to the catacombs remains limited to select public areas. This helps protect the integrity of the site and ensures that visitors have a safe experience while navigating the underground spaces.
Catacombs Visits: A Popular Paris Activity
Today, the catacombs of Paris rank highly as a tourist attraction, drawing thousands of curious visitors eager to explore the history and eerie ambiance of this underground world.
Eerie Atmosphere and Bone Displays Add To Catacombs' Mystique
The catacombs are open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.45 AM to 8.30 PM, and tickets cost 31 euros. Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant ...
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The Catacombs as a Modern-Day Tourist Attraction
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore local history by visiting lesser-known historical sites in your area to gain a deeper appreciation for your community's past, similar to how Parisians initially had exclusive access to the catacombs.
- Start by researching historical landmarks, old buildings, or local museums that offer tours. Many places have hidden histories that are often overlooked but can provide a unique insight into the area's culture and development.
- Create a themed event or gathering that captures the essence of the catacombs' ambiance, such as a mystery dinner or a historical storytelling night.
- Use dim lighting, historical artifacts, or even create a playlist of period-appropriate music to set the mood. This can be a fun way to educate friends and family about history in an immersive and interactive setting.
- Incorporate elements of the catacombs' aesthetic into your h ...
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Illegal Activity in Restricted Catacombs Areas
Illegal activities in the restricted areas of the catacombs in Paris are a continuous concern, leading to increased police vigilance and confrontations with the subculture known as "cataphiles."
"Cataphiles" Police Catch Illegal Catacomb Visitors
"Cataphiles" Respect Catacombs' History More Than Tourists
The "cataflics," a special detachment of the gendarme, patrol the tunnels of the catacombs to catch illegal visitors. Authentic cataphiles, who number around a hundred, often escape severe consequences from the cataflics and might receive only warnings due to their respect for the catacombs' history and traditions. These true cataphiles exhibit their dedication by actions such as reopening closed areas through "cat flaps."
In contrast, informal tourists are more likely to be fined 60 euros when caught by cataflics. This difference in treatment implies that cataphiles are viewed as having a respect for the catacombs that casual tourists lack, particularly concerning the risks and tradition associated with the historic tunnels.
Catacombs' Restricted Areas Used For Illicit Activities
Cataphiles Have Held Events and Pursued Creativity In the Tunnels
Cataphiles are known for their creative use of the catacombs, with activities ranging from hosting events to embracing artistic pursuits. A subgroup of UX, La Mexicán de la Perforation, once set up a movie theater beneath the Palais de Chalo, complete with a bar and seating for an audience of 20. Similarly, the artist collective UX, established in 1981, gained fame for a covert operation where they restored the Pantheon's clock without public knowledge. Historical records show that cataphiles have been active in the catacombs since at least the 1800s, evidenced by events such as ...
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Illegal Activity in Restricted Catacombs Areas
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore local history by visiting legal underground spaces or historical societies to gain a deeper appreciation for hidden heritage similar to the catacombs. By engaging with local history groups or arranging tours of accessible underground sites, you can cultivate a respect for historical spaces in your community, akin to the authentic cataphiles' reverence for the catacombs.
- Create art or write stories inspired by the catacombs' atmosphere and history, channeling the creative spirit of the cataphiles. Use the catacombs as a muse for your creative projects, whether it's painting, writing, or digital art, to capture the essence of a space that has been a hub for creativity and alternative gatherings.
- Advocate for the preservation and respectful ...
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