While the 2024 Paris Olympics captivate the world above ground, there’s an equally fascinating world lying beneath the city streets—the Paris Catacombs. This vast underground ossuary houses the remains of over six million Parisians, a stark reminder of the city’s history. Originally created in the late 18th century, the catacombs were a solution to the overflowing cemeteries that posed public health risks at the time.

Winding through approximately 200 miles of tunnels, the catacombs are a maze of skulls and bones artfully arranged in patterns. The site, once part of old quarries, was consecrated as a municipal ossuary in 1786 and has since become a popular, albeit eerie, tourist destination. Visitors can explore a small portion of this labyrinth, learning about its origins and the historical figures interred there.

The juxtaposition of the bustling Olympic Games and the silent, solemn catacombs adds a unique layer to the Parisian experience, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich and sometimes macabre past.