How Big Are The Paris Catacombs? The Mysterious Underground

Have you ever thought about what’s under the beautiful streets of Paris and how big are the Paris Catacombs? The answer might surprise you! The Paris Catacombs are one of the most interesting and mysterious underground attractions in today’s world.

The Paris Catacombs are a network of tunnels filled with history and secrets, stretching for miles beneath the lively city. These underground cemeteries have fascinated visitors for many years, for their historical value and mystery. But how large are these catacombs?

Key Takeaways

• The Paris Catacombs house remains of over 6 million people, created in the 18th century to manage cemetery overcrowding.
• Only a small portion of the 200-mile network is open, with narrow, winding passages.
• Book tickets online to avoid long lines, entry near Montparnasse, and it’s a cool 14°C inside.
• Follow rules: no touching bones, eating, or drinking; photography is flash-free.
• Not recommended for those with claustrophobia or certain health conditions.

What are Paris catacombs?

The Paris catacombs are a network of ancient tunnels and ossuaries beneath the city, where the remains of about six million people are kept.

Catacombs were created in the late 18th century as a solution to overcrowded cemeteries. The reason for mass graves was the cemetery of the innocents, where graves were overflowed and it caused severe health risks in the area. 

The authorities decided to move bones from the overflow cemeteries to old limestone quarries beneath the streets to manage the problem. Which established the Paris indoor ossuary in 1786. 

Over time, the catacombs became a Famous Paris Point underground site that attracts both locals and tourists.

History of the Paris Catacombs and Origins

The Paris Catacombs were established in the late 1700s as a solution to the public health crisis posed by overflowing cemeteries. In the mid-18th century, Paris had grown greatly populated! This led to severely overcrowded burial sites, especially at the Cemetery of the Innocents.

The risk to public health became undeniable, which caused city officials to begin transferring remains to old limestone quarries beneath the city.

1785: City workers began transferring bones from local cemeteries to the underground tunnels.

1786: The Catacombs were officially named the “Paris Municipal Ossuary.”

1809: The catacombs opened to the public, quickly gaining popularity as a unique site of historical significance.

How Big Are the Paris Catacombs? An Overview of Their Size

The Paris Catacombs cover around 200 miles (320 kilometers) of underground tunnels beneath the city. However, only a fraction of this network is accessible to the public. The section of the Catacombs that is open to visitors measures around 1.1 miles (1.7 kilometers), taking about 45 minutes to traverse on a guided tour.

This massive underground space is divided into different parts, each highlighting walls of carefully positioned bones, with informative signs detailing the history and purpose of specific sections. 

The Catacombs extend under the 14th, 15th, and 16th stairs, with differing depths going from 20 meters (66 feet) to 40 meters (131 feet) below ground level and that’s how big are the Paris Catacombs.

What’s inside the Paris Catacombs?

The Catacombs of Paris are underground sites that hold the bones of more than six million people. They were created to manage the problem of overcrowded cemeteries in the city. Paris’s underground ossuary was mostly forgotten until the early 19th century when it became a popular spot for shows and other private events.

After some renovations and new access points, it opened to the public in 1874. Since 2013, the Catacombs have been part of the fourteen City of Paris Museums. 

Although the ossuary contains only a small section of the underground mines of Paris, people in Paris often call the historic cemeteries sites of Paris’s entire tunnel network ‘The Catacombs’.

The Size and Layout of the Paris Catacombs

The depth and size of the underground tunnels of Paris passages and sections are about 11000 square meters in total area.

Depth: The catacombs are about 20 meters deep, or the equivalent of a five-floor building.

Length: The outing is about 1.5 kilometers long.

Steps: There are 243 steps to descend and 112 to ascend.

Passages: The passages are narrow, with a ceiling height of only 1.80 meters.

Rooms: The catacombs also include large underground rooms.

Bones: The catacombs contain the remains of more than six million people from churches and cemeteries across the city.

Temperature: The temperature inside the catacombs is around 14 degrees Celsius.

What’s it like to explore and Navigate the Paris Catacombs?

Visiting the Paris historical sites underground is a unique experience that combines history, art, and a touch of the incredible. You might be thinking, How long does it take to explore the Paris Catacombs? Exploring underground Paris.

Catacombs usually take around one to two hours depending on how much time you spend exploring. The catacombs are a 1.5-kilometer one-way rotation.

The atmosphere is underground by landing the stairs to enter, it will feel immediately cooler air, generally around 14 degrees Celsius year-round. It is advisable to wear warm clothing.

The environment within the tunnels is both somber and intriguing. In addition, photography is allowed there without flash and interestingly, the entry and exit points are different routes.

How can you visit the Paris Catacombs?

To visit the Paris Catacombs, go to 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, near Montparnasse. Take the Metro to Denfert-Rochereau station, then walk a short distance to the entrance. 

The underground path is about one mile long and is in a single direction. You will exit from a different spot, which is about a 10-minute walk from where you entered.

The Catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (you can buy tickets until 7:30 p.m.). The maximum number of visitors is 200, and there are often long wait times. To avoid long lines, buy a timed entry ticket online in advance or arrive right when they open or after 6 p.m.

How to book a ticket to visit the catacombs?

To avoid long waits, it’s a good idea to book your ticket to the Paris catacombs in advance. You can use reliable travel booking websites to get your entry ticket. 

These sites also offer guided tours or VIP packages that let you skip the line. Online booking makes it easier and allows you to choose options to explore the catacomb’s fascinating history without the hassle.

Third-party resellers

When looking for last-minute tickets, their services provide reliable support. They allow users to effortlessly compare prices, duration, language, and schedule. The terms and conditions are designed to be user-friendly.

On-site

When you plan your visit, remember that you can buy tickets at the ticket office if they are available. However, to make your experience smoother, it’s better to book your tickets through tour providers. 

This guarantees your entrance and helps you avoid long lines that can waste your time. Make sure to plan your visit carefully. Secure your tickets in advance for a stress-free experience.

Tips Safety of Exploring the Paris Catacombs

You can worry about, Are the Paris Catacombs safe to visit? Well, Yes The catacombs are safe for the locals & tourists. But some cautions we should maintain there.

• All objects in the catacombs, including the skull and bones, are off-limits to visitors. 
• Taking pictures is permitted without a tripod or a flash.
• Tourists should keep their belongings secure, be careful in crowded places, and avoid displaying valuable items such as jewelry or expensive electronics. 
• It’s advisable to use a money belt, and secure bags with zippers.

Prohibitions

A bit of instruction can help you with more awareness!

To ensure the protection of this site,

• You should not eat or drink on the site tour
• You are not allowed to drink alcohol either, it’s prohibited.
• Animales are not allowed.
• And, for sure, you must not touch the bones, which are the fragile remains of Parisians.

Health tissues

The catacombs are not recommended for people with claustrophobia, limited mobility, or heart or respiratory conditions. They are also not recommended for young children.

FAQ about How Big Are the Paris Catacombs 

How Large are the Paris Catacombs?

The Paris Catacombs cover about 200 miles of tunnels underneath the city.

How many skeletons are kept in the Catacombs?

The Catacombs contain the remains of about 6 million people, by relocating from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th to 19th centuries.

Can you explore the entire Catacombs?

You can’t visit the entire catacombs but only a small section is open for tours. The rest is restricted due to safety concerns.

How many levels are in the Paris Catacombs?

The deepest level of the Paris Catacombs depth is about 65ft or 20m.

Are there hidden sections in the Catacombs?

Yes, there are many restricted sections and some explorers, known as “Cataphiles”. However, it’s not legal or safe to explore hidden areas.

Why were the Catacombs created? 

In the late 1700s, they were transformed into an ossuary to manage public health problems from overcrowded cemeteries.

Conclusion

Exploring the Paris catacombs is a fascinating journey into history. This unique place encourages you to think about life, death, and Paris’s unique legacy. The following article will enhance your understanding of this fantastic location, preparing you for an engaging and mysterious tour experience. Get ready to feel excited and curious as you take a mysterious tour of this underground burial ground Paris’s fascinating site.