Paris, the city of love and romance, is famous for many things – from its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum to its charming streets and boulevards. But did you know that Paris is also home to some of the world’s most famous burial sites?
One of them, in particular, has been a subject of fascination for many years – the final resting place of one of the most iconic figures in history. So, who is this famous person buried in Paris? Let’s find out!
The Père Lachaise Cemetery
Located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most visited sites in the city. Established in 1804, this cemetery covers an area of over 100 acres and contains over 70,000 burial plots. It is home to many notable figures from various fields like literature, music, art, and politics.
The Tomb of Jim Morrison
One of the most famous graves at Père Lachaise belongs to Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors. Morrison died at a young age of 27 in 1971 due to heart failure. Since then, his grave has become a pilgrimage site for his fans from all over the world who come to pay their respects to their idol.
The tomb itself is quite simple – a rectangular slab with Morrison’s name engraved on it surrounded by a fence with various offerings like flowers and candles left by his fans.
The Grave of Oscar Wilde
Another notable grave at Père Lachaise belongs to Irish playwright and author Oscar Wilde. Wilde died in 1900 at the age of 46 due to meningitis. His grave was originally unmarked but was later given a monument designed by sculptor Jacob Epstein.
The monument features a winged angel with Wilde’s profile on one side and a relief of a naked man on the other. The monument has become a popular site for visitors who leave lipstick kisses on the grave.
The Tomb of Edith Piaf
Edith Piaf, also known as the “Little Sparrow,” was a French singer and songwriter who became famous in the 1940s and ’50s. She died in 1963 at the age of 47 due to liver cancer. Her grave is located in Père Lachaise and is frequently visited by her fans who come to pay tribute to her.
The tomb is a simple stone slab with her name engraved on it, surrounded by flowers and messages left by her fans.
Conclusion
The Père Lachaise Cemetery is not just a burial site but also a place of historical significance. The graves of famous figures like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf have made this cemetery one of the most visited sites in Paris.
Whether you’re a fan or just curious about history, visiting these graves can be an interesting and educational experience. So next time you’re in Paris, don’t forget to pay your respects to these iconic figures!