“SANCTA ET SALUBRIS COGITATIO DEFUNCTIS EXORARE,” reads the inscription etched upon the gate of Cimetière parisien de la Chapelle. “It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead.” We stand before the final resting place of thousands, a Parisian cemetery tucked away in Saint-Denis. Cimetière parisien de la Chapelle is a place of quiet contemplation, a serene contrast to the bustling city just beyond its walls. Established in June 1850, it is the fourth cemetery to serve the former village of La Chapelle.
Cimetière parisien de la Chapelle, despite its relatively small size of 2.1 hectares, holds a wealth of history within its walls. Its entrance, marked by a gate reminiscent of Père Lachaise Cemetery, sets the stage for a journey through time. Two columns adorned with medallions flank the entrance, mirroring those of its more famous counterpart. A second inscription graces the gate: “QUI CREDIT IN ME ETIAM SI MORTUUS FUERIT VIVET” – “Whoever believes in me, even though he dies, yet shall he live.” This sentiment resonates throughout the cemetery, a testament to the enduring legacy of those interred here.
The cemetery is laid out in a near-perfect quadrilateral, divided into four identical sections. Two perpendicular alleys, the Allée Principale and Allée Centrale, intersect at a small plaza marked by a large cast-iron cross. Nearly three hundred trees, including lindens, maples, chestnut trees, and sophoras, line the pathways, offering shade and a sense of tranquility. The cemetery is divided into eight divisions, each holding a unique collection of stories and monuments. One notable tomb is that of the Bariot family, featuring a striking bronze mourner.
Cimetière parisien de la Chapelle’s history is intertwined with that of La Chapelle itself. The original cemetery of La Chapelle was located in front of the Saint-Denys de la Chapelle church from the 13th century for five hundred years. Later, a second cemetery was established at the current site of Place de Torcy. Eventually, the current Cimetière parisien de la Chapelle was established in 1850, becoming the fourth cemetery of the area. Remains from the previous Marcadet Cemetery were transferred, including the tombs of notable figures from La Chapelle’s past. For a period, from 1876 to 1883, Cimetière parisien de la Chapelle also accepted burials from several Parisian arrondissements, adding another layer to its diverse population.
Within the confines of Cimetière parisien de la Chapelle rest over 3,300 individuals. Among them are figures from various walks of life, each with a story to tell. The man of letters Paul Carrère, the actor Georges Dorival, the painter Gabriel Guay, champion divers Eugène and Louise Lenormand, and the painter Pierre Eugène Montézin all found their final resting place here. A monument commemorates the victims of World War II bombings, a sobering reminder of the impact of conflict on this peaceful space. As you wander through the quiet alleys, consider the words etched upon the entrance. Cimetière parisien de la Chapelle offers a poignant reminder of the cycle of life and death, and the importance of remembering those who came before us.