The Catacombes de Paris have a rich history and have recently gained popularity as a setting for TV series and movies, such as the upcoming Netflix series “Berlín.”

The Catacombes are a network of underground tunnels stretching nearly 300 kilometers beneath Paris. Originally quarries for limestone and gypsum, they were transformed into an ossuary in the late 18th century to address overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in Parisian cemeteries. Millions of Parisians’ remains were moved to the Catacombes, giving it its name in reference to ancient underground burial sites in Rome.

Today, the Catacombes de Paris attract approximately 550,000 visitors annually. The official site covers only a small portion of the extensive underground network, with most tunnels off-limits to the public and patrolled by a specialized police unit known as the “cataflics.”

In defiance of restrictions, a subculture of “cataphiles” has emerged, including party-goers, heritage enthusiasts, and “cata-cleans” dedicated to cleaning up after underground revelries. Unauthorized visits can have serious consequences, leading to inexperienced explorers getting lost in the labyrinthine tunnels.

There have also been instances of criminal activities within the Catacombes, such as thieves breaking through a wall into a wine cellar near the Jardin du Luxembourg in 2017, making off with over 300 bottles of high-value wine worth €250,000.

Despite the risks and allure as both a historical marvel and contemporary fascination, the Catacombes de Paris continue to capture the imagination of people worldwide. Whether through official guided tours or clandestine explorations, the Catacombes stand as a testament to the city’s layered history and the enduring allure of its underground world.