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The Daily Insight

Is there a documentary on the catacombs?

Author

Christopher Pierce

Updated on April 19, 2026

It is presented as found footage of a documentary crew’s experience exploring the Catacombs of Paris and was loosely based on the seven layers of Hell….As Above, So Below (film)

As Above, So Below
Directed byJohn Erick Dowdle
Written byDrew Dowdle John Erick Dowdle
Produced byThomas Tull Jon Jashni Drew Dowdle Patrick Aiello

What disease caused the catacombs of Paris?

Background: The Paris Catacombs contain the remains of approximately 6 million people dating back to the 15th century, when leprosy was endemic in France.

How many bodies are buried in the Paris catacombs?

The Paris Catacombs is home to an estimated 7 million skeletons and they are very visible today. In Rome, you may see a skeleton under glass but most of the tombs had been cleared out a long time ago.

How many bodies are in the Paris catacombs?

Skeletons. The Paris Catacombs is home to an estimated 7 million skeletons and they are very visible today. In Rome, you may see a skeleton under glass but most of the tombs had been cleared out a long time ago.

What did the French call the Black Death?

bubonic plague pandemic
The bubonic plague pandemic known as the Black Death reached France by ship from Italy to Marseille in November 1347, spread through first Southern France and then Northern France and, due to the size of the Kingdom, lasted there several years, as some parts were not affected until the plague was over in others.

How many bodies are buried in the French catacombs?

six million people
pronunciation (help·info)) are underground ossuaries in Paris, France, which hold the remains of more than six million people in a small part of a tunnel network built to consolidate Paris’ ancient stone quarries.

Why are the catacombs of Paris a dangerous place?

The Paris Catacombs are not safe to explore for the solo traveler. There have been instances of people getting lost or trapped. Someone even died while inside the Catacombs. That’s why it would be best to go with someone who can get help in case something bad happens, or just don’t go at all.

What is unique about the Paris Catacombs?

Put simply, the Paris catacombs are a winding maze of tunnels that stretches deep underneath one of the most famous cities in the world and plays host to roughly 6 million artfully arranged human skeletons… and with a description like that, is it any surprise that the idea of visiting the Paris catacombs has fascinated visitors for centuries?

Why did people build the catacombs of Paris?

The Catacombs of Paris were created in the 18th century as an answer to the problem of overflowing cemeteries , particularly within the city limits. The way things worked back then, the dead would be buried in cemeteries, covered, and a new layer for burials would be created. Areas would fill up rather quickly, as you can imagine.

Are the catacombs of Paris worth visiting?

No need for a tour but absolutely worth a visit. You can find anything you need to know about the Catacombs in a guidebook or from Wikipedia.