Visit the Catacombs of Paris

In the early 19th century, Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury, head of the Paris Mine Inspection Service, undertook the monumental task of transforming this underground ossuary into a space of reflection, art, and commemoration. His vision and dedication turned what was once a chaotic repository of bones into a carefully curated monument.

The catacombs were initially established in the late 18th century as a solution to the overflowing cemeteries of Paris, which had become health hazards due to the sheer volume of bodies. Bones from various cemeteries were transferred to the abandoned limestone quarries beneath the city, but these early efforts were utilitarian rather than artistic. The remains were simply deposited in heaps, creating a macabre, disorganized mass that lacked any sense of dignity or order.

When Héricart de Thury assumed his role as the head of the Paris Mine Inspection Service in 1809, he recognized the potential of the catacombs to be more than just a grim storage site. A man of science and an aesthete, Héricart de Thury was deeply influenced by the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion, nature, and the sublime. He saw an opportunity to transform the catacombs into a space that not only respected the dead but also provided a place of contemplation for the living.

To achieve this, Héricart de Thury undertook the meticulous task of organizing the bones into artistic arrangements. Skulls and femurs were stacked in geometric patterns, creating walls that were both structurally sound and visually striking. The bones were arranged in patterns that resembled altars, crosses, and other religious symbols, imbuing the catacombs with a sense of sacredness. This careful arrangement of bones was not just about creating visual order; it was an attempt to offer a dignified resting place for the millions of Parisians whose remains now lay beneath the city.

Héricart de Thury also added plaques with inscriptions, many of which were drawn from literature, philosophy, and religious texts. These inscriptions, often poetic or philosophical, invited visitors to reflect on the nature of life, death, and the passage of time. In doing so, he transformed the catacombs into a space that encouraged contemplation and reverence, rather than mere curiosity or horror.

Moreover, Héricart de Thury’s work in the catacombs was part of a broader effort to regulate and preserve Paris’s underground spaces. As the head of the Mine Inspection Service, he was responsible for ensuring the safety of the quarries that stretched beneath much of the city. The catacombs, as part of this network, required stabilization and careful management to prevent collapses and other hazards. By organizing the bones and reinforcing the tunnels, Héricart de Thury was able to address these safety concerns while also creating a space that reflected the city’s cultural and artistic values.