Forgotten by many tourists exists a place that whispers tales of Paris’s past. This is the Cimeti\u00e8re Ancien. It is a serene and historical location. Nestled in the heart of Paris, it offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
The Cimeti\u00e8re Ancien stands as the oldest existing cemetery in Paris. Its creation dates back to 1688. Imagine this space in the 17th century.
This historic ground is near the Saint-Pierre de Montmartre church. This is a rarity among Parisian cemeteries today. Cemeteries were often near churches. This was before modern times changed things.
Although small at approximately 600 square meters the Cimeti\u00e8re Ancien holds 85 tombs. It’s a compact space filled with history. The cemetery is listed as a historical monument. This recognition highlights the Calvaire erected in 1833 in the church garden.
The Cimeti\u00e8re Ancien has limited visiting times. Access is only allowed on November 1st for All Saints’ Day. It also opens during Heritage Days. These visits are guided and free.
The story of Parisian cemeteries is quite interesting. Parisians were once buried near city churches. Modernity changed this in the late 18th century. Small parish cemeteries became overcrowded and unsanitary. The large cemetery of the Innocents was also in the heart of the capital.
Bones from these cemeteries were moved in 1785. They went to the old quarries of Tombe-Issoire. The site became the “Municipal Ossuary of Paris” on April 7 1786. It then became known as the Catacombs.
Between the Revolution and the Consulate three small cemeteries were created near Paris. These were Saint-Pierre-de-Montmartre known as du Calvaire. Picpus which was a private cemetery. Saint-Germain-de-Charonne known as Charonne.
In 1801 the decision was made to create three large cemeteries for Paris. The cemetery of the East opened in 1804. It was known as P\u00e8re-Lachaise. The cemetery of the South opened in 1824. It was known as Montparnasse. The cemetery of the North opened in 1825. It was known as Montmartre.
Paris expanded its boundaries in 1860. It annexed surrounding communities. This included the three large cemeteries and eleven village cemeteries. These included Auteuil Batignolles-Monceaux Belleville Bercy and Charonne.
Between 1860 and 1886 Paris’s population grew. Individual concessions became common. The city created large cemeteries outside the walls due to lack of space. These included Bagneux Ivry Pantin and Saint-Ouen. The most recent was established in Thiais in 1929.
Intriguingly some cemeteries in Paris do not belong to the city. These are the communal cemeteries of Gentilly Montrouge and Saint-Mand\u00e9.
The Cimeti\u00e8re Ancien is a unique testament to time. It connects us to the past. Its presence reminds us of the evolution of Paris. It shows how the city has honored its dead throughout history. Take a moment to appreciate this historical gem. It offers a profound connection to the generations that shaped Paris.