If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you may be interested in visiting one of the most famous graveyards in the world. The cemetery is the final resting place of many famous people, including writers, artists, musicians, and politicians.
The Name of the Cemetery
The name of this famous cemetery is Père Lachaise Cemetery. It is located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris and covers more than 100 acres. It was established in 1804 and has since become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Paris.
History of Père Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise Cemetery was originally created as a solution to overcrowding in Parisian cemeteries. The land for the cemetery was purchased by the city in 1803 and named after Father François de la Chaise, who was confessor to Louis XIV.
The cemetery officially opened on May 21, 1804, with the burial of Adrien de Pauger, a French architect who had worked on several buildings in New Orleans. At first, Père Lachaise Cemetery wasn’t very popular because it was located on the outskirts of Paris and people were hesitant to bury their loved ones so far away.
However, in 1817, the remains of French playwright Molière were moved to Père Lachaise Cemetery and his tomb became a popular spot for visitors. This helped establish it as a prestigious final resting place and soon many famous people began requesting to be buried there.
Famous People Buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery
Today, there are over one million people buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery. Some of the most famous include:
- Jim Morrison: American musician and singer-songwriter best known as lead vocalist for The Doors.
- Oscar Wilde: Irish playwright, novelist, and poet known for works such as The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest.
- Edith Piaf: French singer-songwriter known for classics such as “La Vie en Rose” and “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.”
- Félix Faure: French politician who served as President of France from 1895 until his death in 1899.
Visiting Père Lachaise Cemetery
If you’re interested in visiting Père Lachaise Cemetery, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the cemetery is quite large, so plan to spend a few hours there. You can pick up a map at the entrance to help you navigate.
Second, be respectful of the graves and the people buried there. Père Lachaise Cemetery is not just a tourist attraction; it is also still an active cemetery where people continue to bury their loved ones.
Finally, be prepared for crowds. Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, so it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
In Conclusion
Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most famous graveyards in Paris and the world. It has a rich history and is home to many famous people from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Paris, consider adding Père Lachaise Cemetery to your itinerary.