A Tour of the Most haunted Place on Earth

The catacombs, located beneath the bustling City of Paris, house the remains of over 6 million people. Many are unaware of this hidden underground network, as when the word "Paris" is mentioned, thoughts of the iconic Eiffel Tower or romantic strolls in the city of love come to mind. However, beneath the surface lies a series of tunnels that were originally dug in the 14th century to extract limestone, a valuable mineral found in the rich ground. These mines, built horizontally to prevent collapse, were primarily situated on the right side of the river. As Paris expanded beyond its old city walls, the city faced challenges when constructing buildings atop the previously excavated land.

In 1774, a road in the suburbs collapsed, prompting officials to abandon the mines due to safety concerns. The tunnels were subsequently renovated to prevent future disasters. The catacombs became the final resting place for the bones of the deceased due to overcrowded cemeteries and the spread of harmful bacteria caused by the growing population. The process of moving the bones from cemeteries to the tunnels began in the late 1780s, starting with the Sinosan Cemetery. To avoid causing alarm, the bones were transported at night, discreetly relocating them to the old mines.

The Paris Municipal Ossuary, also known as the catacombs, is a collection of bones that were moved by quarry workers into tunnels in the ground. As Paris developed into a city in the 1860s, the catacombs became a famous tourist spot, attracting around 5 million visitors every year. Despite its rich history and eerie reputation, there are still many unsolved mysteries surrounding the catacombs, including reports of people getting lost and never being found.

Areas and individuals would frequent for swimming purposes, in the year 2004, police officers on patrol stumbled upon an unexplored region containing a cavern measuring 5,300 ft. Within this cavern, they discovered a movie theater equipped with a screen and projection equipment, showcasing classic films. Additionally, there was a restaurant-like setting nearby, along with three telephone lines and a reliable source of electricity. These findings suggested that a group of people had either been residing or regularly visiting this location.

However, when the police returned three days later with experts to investigate the source of the electricity, they discovered that the power supply had been disconnected. The only evidence left behind was a note instructing them not to search for the individuals. It is worth noting that such enthusiasts have existed in the past as well. For instance, a Parisian farmer once embarked on a similar adventure and stumbled upon button mushrooms growing in the catacombs. Recognizing a lucrative opportunity, he established mushroom farms within the tunnels and even obtained official permission for his endeavor. By 1950, a hundred farmers were cultivating mushrooms within the catacombs.

Additionally, there is a chilling legend associated with the catacombs, which some people believe to be true. According to this legend, unexplainable voices can be heard within the catacombs at midnight, luring individuals deeper into the tunnels until they become lost. However, there is no substantial evidence to support the veracity of this story, yet the mere contemplation of it remains unsettling. Due to safety concerns, only a small portion of the catacombs, spanning less than 2 miles, is open to the public for legal tours.

In contrast, the catacombs extend for 200 miles, and a guided tour lasts approximately one hour, providing a comprehensive glimpse of the noteworthy attractions. It is crucial to acknowledge that solo exploration within the catacombs is exceedingly perilous, as there is a high risk of becoming disoriented. In 2017, two teenagers entered the catacombs through a secret passage and were discovered three days later, requiring medical treatment for hypothermia. The tunnels, characterized by their dampness and antiquity, maintain an average temperature of 59°F.

Furthermore, it is important to consider that the entrance to the catacombs is intentionally uncomfortable, dissuading some individuals from venturing inside. To access the catacombs, one must descend a winding staircase that descends more than 65 ft below the surface. In a well-lit room filled with intriguing information and displays, as you progress further, the atmosphere becomes eerily silent. Upon passing through a chilling entrance boldly declaring its name in French, which, when translated to English, roughly means "stop, this is the Empire of Doom," you are greeted with anything but a warm welcome. This is because the Paris catacombs are renowned for their haunted reputation. As you venture deeper, the sounds of the outside world fade away, and you find yourself enveloped in the profound silence of the earth below.

The bones themselves are meticulously arranged in almost artistic patterns, a concept conceived by a former overseer of the catacombs. He transformed the bones into an underground museum, featuring captivating structures such as columns, plaques, altars, and even peculiarly shaped forms that some individuals consider art. Throughout the year, the catacombs attract significant attention, particularly around Halloween, when people organize special parties or events in close proximity to the site.

However, the most peculiar offering came directly from the catacombs themselves through Airbnb. The renowned rental service allowed two guests to spend the night in the catacombs, providing them with a bed for Halloween night and breakfast. Prior to retiring for the evening, they were regaled with tales recounting the history of the Catacombs, ensuring they were fully aware that they would be slumbering amidst the remains of six million individuals. Indeed, it remains to be seen how such an experience would affect one's perception.