“Over one million bodies are buried here.” That’s the sheer scale of Division 79 at Père Lachaise Cemetery. Division 79 is a section within this famous Parisian cemetery. Père Lachaise is the largest cemetery in Paris. It spans 44 hectares and attracts over 3.5 million visitors each year.
The name “Père Lachaise” comes from Père François de la Chaise. He was the confessor to Louis XIV. Napoleon established the cemetery in 1804. Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart designed it with English-style gardens.
Initially, the cemetery was not popular because of its location far from the city. To increase its appeal, the remains of famous figures like Jean de La Fontaine and Molière were moved here in 1817. This marketing strategy worked. People began clamoring to be buried near these celebrated citizens. By 1830, Père Lachaise held over 33,000 graves.
Within Père Lachaise, Division 79 holds its own stories. Division 79 is like a city within a city. It’s a place where history, art, and memory intertwine. You’ll find simple headstones and towering monuments. Some tombs resemble small chapels. These are dedicated to well-known individuals or families.
Père Lachaise manages its space by combining family remains in single graves. The cemetery also reopens graves after decomposition to add another coffin. Some family mausoleums contain many bodies. Shelves accommodate the remains. Père Lachaise also issues 30-year leases on gravesites. If a lease isn’t renewed, the remains are moved to the Aux Morts ossuary.
Division 79 is also part of a rich ecosystem. The cemetery has become a biodiversity preserve. Management practices prohibit pesticides. This has led to a thriving environment for flora and fauna. You can find cyclamen and orchids here. Foxes and 100 bird species also call Père Lachaise home.
Division 79 shows the passage of time and the enduring power of memory. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Père Lachaise. Take a moment to reflect on the lives and stories held within Division 79.