Hidden amongst Montmartre’s bustling streets lies the Cimetière du Calvaire. This small cemetery holds a wealth of history. It’s the oldest and smallest in Paris. Its location is truly unique. It sits at the summit of Montmartre. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica stands majestically in the background.
Established in 1688 the Cimetière du Calvaire has a story dating back even further. A Merovingian necropolis existed here in the 11th century. The abbey of Montmartre ceded the land. The cemetery was expanded in 1697 to its current size of 600 square meters. It played a significant role in Montmartre’s history. The cemetery’s gates were closed during the French Revolution. They reopened in 1801 only to close again permanently in 1823. Today it’s almost impossible to obtain a burial plot here. Only descendants of existing families can be laid to rest within its walls.
The imposing bronze gates are the work of Italian sculptor Tommaso Gismondi. They stand as a testament to the cemetery’s enduring presence. The gates guard this little known piece of Paris. They only open twice a year. One day is November 1st. The other is during the Heritage Days in September.
Despite its size the Cimetière du Calvaire holds the remains of notable figures. Among them is Félix Desportes Montmartre’s first mayor in 1790. The Debray family known for the Moulin de la Galette is also interred here. Their tomb features a small windmill a charming reminder of their legacy. A part of explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville rests here. His heart is buried in this quiet place. His explorations led to the discovery of numerous Pacific islands. The bougainvillea plant is named in his honor. Sadly the grave of the renowned sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle has vanished.
The Cimetière du Calvaire also known as the Cimetière de Saint-Pierre-du-Calvaire takes its name from a calvary. This Christian monument was erected in 1833 in the garden of the nearby Saint-Pierre de Montmartre church. This church is the oldest in Paris. The Cimetière du Calvaire’s serene atmosphere is a captivating contrast to the lively streets of Montmartre. It is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by those who know where to look.