THE CATACOMBS OF PARIS

WHERE?

The Catacombs of Paris are located in Paris, France , south of the former city gate in Place Denfert-Rochereau.

WHEN?

This place, which was formerly a mine, in the XVIII century was transformed into a cemetery that was known as "The World's Largest Grave".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The catacombs of Paris are ossuaries underground that were built in 1786 due to excessive human remains in the cemeteries of Paris and poorly kept, authorities had to collect only their bones and bring them to a limestone mine , there will be stacked in the form of a rampart to create this kind of graveyard, these process took around 15 years. Now these catacombs keep the memory of over 6 million people and although over the years have been used as a bunker in the second World War  or as a site for witchcraft, is one of the most significant monuments of France.

TOURISM AND CHARACTERISTICS 

The catacombs of Paris are one of the most attractive sites of Paris, by its structure and its history, that's the reason why they decided to turn it into a tourist spot. And although they are quite extensive, The tours cover roughly 2km of walking because in some places they used to do other rituals that are considered ''unfit for public''. Its entrance is on the western pavilion of the former city gate Barrière d'Enfer.

It costs $ 10 for adults, $ 8 for teenagers (18-26 years) and free entry for children under 18. This tour '' is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory failure, sensitive people and young children. The catacombs are not accessible to people with disabilities. Children under 14 must be with an adult ''.

Many people who have visited this mysterious place say that sometimes occur strange things  and are amazed by the ease with which the amount of femurs and skulls are stacked but even it looks pretty creepy it's admirable and curious.

POINT OF VIEW

Since my point of view I think this place is a little creepy but also gives me intrigued to know what is the truth about these catacombs, and see the special way in which they were stacked and would also be interesting to see the details of these bones.

Actually is amazing how many  bones they needed to build such a huge place like this, and the dedication of the builders, despite the frequent visits and how long it still holding firm.



GLOSSARY 

• Formerly: Anteriormente/Antiguamente.
• Ossuaries: Osarios.
• Remains: Restos.
• Limestone: Caliza.
• Rampart: Muralla.
• Graveyard: Cementerio.
• Stack: Apilar.
• Failure: Fallo.
• Creepy: Espeluznante.

REFERENCES

• http://www.paris.es/catacumbas
• http://www.parislogue.com/catacombs
• https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catacumbas_de_Par%C3%ADs
• http://www.catacombes.paris.fr/fr/votre-visite/acces-et-horaires
• Google images