Paris Catacombs resemble underground labyrinth few tourists ever experience

Beneath the lively streets of France lies a hidden world few visitors get to see - the Paris Catacombs. 

A vast and shadowy labyrinth known as the Paris Catacombs lies far from the shimmering Eiffel Tower and the famed Louvre. This extensive network of tunnels, stretching over 150 miles, contains the remains of more than six million people and offers a haunting glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of the city’s history, Caliber.Az reports per Daily Galaxy.

The Catacombs were created in the late 1700s as a practical solution to the health hazards posed by overcrowded cemeteries above ground. By relocating bones underground, authorities hoped to curb the spread of disease caused by unsanitary burial conditions. Though the final transfer of remains was completed in 1860, the Catacombs opened to visitors as early as 1809—initially only by appointment—and have since become a unique attraction for those seeking something off the beaten path.

Visitors today can explore about 1.5 kilometers of the tunnels, descending 131 steps to reach the underground chambers 20 meters below street level. Here, the temperature remains a constant 14 degrees Celsius, providing a cool refuge during Paris’ warm summers. Guided tours lead guests through corridors where skulls and bones are meticulously arranged into artistic patterns, creating a solemn yet captivating experience.

Despite its eerie atmosphere, the Catacombs attract roughly 550,000 visitors annually and receive praise for being both “unique” and “educational.” Enthusiasts from various backgrounds—nurses, scientists, historians—appreciate the care taken in preserving these relics of the past. One visitor noted, “This was my favorite part of my trip to Paris… anyone interested in history will truly appreciate the Catacombs.”

As an enduring symbol of Paris’ complex relationship with death and memory, the Catacombs offer an unforgettable journey into the city’s underground heritage, blending history, art, and mystery in equal measure.

By Naila Huseynova