Catacombs

The name of ‘Catacombs’ was given to this ossuary in reference to the Catacombs of Rome, a name originally given to an ancient cemetery situated not far from the Appian Way. The Cemetery of the Innocents (near Saint-Eustache, in the area of Les Halles) had been in use for nearly ten centuries and had become a source of infection for the inhabitants of the locality. After numerous complaints, the Council of State decided, on November 9th 1785, to prohibit further use of the Cemetery of the Innocents and to remove its contents.

skulls, dead bodies, bones, brick walls, secret entrance

crânes, des cadavres , des os, des murs de briques , entrée secrète

j.ai mange

la bouillabaisse, la crèmebrûléele