The Catacombs
Per Wikipedia: The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries in Paris, France, which hold the remains of more than six million people[1] in a small part of the ancient Mines of Paris tunnel network. The ossuary was founded when city officials had two simultaneous problems: a series of cave-ins beginning 1774, and overflowing cemeteries, particularly Saint Innocents. Nightly processions of bones from 1786 to 1788 transferred remains from cemeteries to the reinforced tunnels, and more remains were added during later years. The underground cemetery became a tourist attraction on a small scale from the early 19th century, and has been open to the public on a regular basis since 1874.
The black streaks are torch/smoke markings at the time the bones were moved into the quarries. The only type of lighting they had were torches
Every wall was coded with the builder of the wall, the number of the wall and the year it was built. So this wall was the 19th wall built; the builder's initial was "G", and it was built in 18__ (can't see the full year in this photo."
This is a photo simply showing the depth of the walls.
These walls date back to the Roman period.
This photo shows original structure of the walls.
This pillar is said to date to the Roman period as well.
The top and subsequent three photos show a miner's work of art. He was held in prison before he assisted in mining of the quarry. He basically lived in the mines until he completed this extraordinary scene, which he worked at during his "free" time. This depicts his view while he was in prison - this is what he saw every day out his window. Other miners would bring down food and supplies to him while he continued to work on his piece. Truly a masterpiece!!
Once this point is reached, you are at the entrance of the graves of over 6 million people who were removed from their original resting places to these abandoned quarries.
This is the very top of one of the arches in the entrance to the catacombs.
The workers moved these bones in two years time. The workers placed these bones with the most care --- these were people over centuries who have died. The utmost care was taken in placement of them. As a visitor to this special place, you cannot touch them and no flash was to be used (even though several French tourists in our group were not abiding the rules).
BFFs
My loving hubby! <3
All around the catacombs were special poetry chiseled in stone. My camera did not take a very good picture of this particular poem.
A FRENCH LUNCH
John, me, Shari and Lauri
My French Bloody Mary
MONTMARTRE AND BASCILLICA OF SACRE' COEUR
Per Wikipedia: Montmartre is a large hill in Paris's 18th arrondissement. It is 430 ft high and gives its name to the surrounding district, part of the Right Bank in the northern section of the city. The historic district was established by the City of Paris in 1995 contains 150 acres.[2] Montmartre is primarily known for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur on its summit. The other older church on the hill is Saint Pierre de Montmartre, which claims to be the location at which the Jesuit order of priests was founded.Shari gave this wonderful suggestion to see during the afternoon. She took her granddaughter/Lauri's daughter, Noelle, several years ago on a trip to Paris and both enjoyed this area so very much. We were very pleased to have also seen this area.
Approximately a block around the back of the Basilica is an entire section of shops and street vendors; mostly artists. Many wanting to sketch you. One gentleman asked Lauri if he could sketch "this beautiful child" --- meaning ME! I had crouched down on the sidewalk because my back was painful at the time. I'm not sure why he thought I was a child, but I think I will take it as two compliments. LOL! Unfortunately my husband was in a store and didn't hear the comment. Figures. :)
It truly was a great day spent with loved ones. :)
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