If you thought I was crazy for breaking into a haunted school, you’ll think I’m insane for wanting to do this next thing.  I want to explore some catacombs. I’ve always had a fascination for the dead, so walking in vaults surrounding by the remains of those who have passed on is right up my alley.

Catacombs are ancient subterranean passage ways used for burial of the dead.  Catacombs are most closely associated with the Roman empire however many major historic cities have constructed these  under worlds as well.

Catacombs of Paris

Some notable catacombs include:

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Alexandria, Egypt- Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa- I touched upon this in a post I wrote about my desire to visit the 7 Wonders of the World.  (See post here.)  Egypt’s famous necropolis is consisted of a collection of tombs, statues and other Pharaonic funeral objects reaching back as far as the 2nd century.    For 2 centuries, this spot was used as a final resting place for numerous ancient Egyptians, including the people (and animals) massacred by Emperor Caracalla.  I love dead people as much as the next girl, so I’m definitely down with visiting the catacombs.  I’ve yet to wander around the cool dark halls of the afterlife, but I think this would be a very cool place to do just that.  Egyptian history has always intrigued me and this place is filled with just as much history as it is beautiful decor and dead bodies.

Inside the Edinburgh Vaults

Edinburgh, Scotland- Edinburgh Vaults- The Edinburgh Vaults or South Bridge Vaults are a series of chambers that were completed in 1788.  The vaults were originally constructed for taverns but as the conditions deteriorated due to the poor air quality, business left and the poorest of the townspeople occupied the underground network of tunnels.

Camden Catacombs

London, England- Catacombs of London-   Although London’s catacombs aren’t considered to be that big of a deal because of it’s high water table, I decided to include them in the list because London is such a popular destination for travelers.  The most extensive of these catacombs is known as the Camden Catacombs.  Constructed in the 19th century, this underground crypt was originally used to house horses working on the railways.

Catacombs of Paris

Paris, France- Catacombs of Paris-  One of the most popular catacombs in Europe are the ones located in Paris.  I’ve been to the city 2x’s now and have yet to visit the catacombs because my companions were always wusses.  Opened in the late 18th century, and open to the public since the early 19th century, these catacombs have been a famous stomping ground for curious tourists.  A spiral stone stairwell leads you into the darkness, while your eyes adjust you hear the faint gurgling of a hidden aqueduct.  As you continue down the dank hallway you come across a sign that reads, “Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la Mort” (‘Stop, this is the empire of Death’).  The walls are covered with ornate arrangements of bones and skulls mixed with mortar.  Of all of the catacombs in this list, this one sounds the coolest to me.

Roman Catacombs

Rome, Italy- Catacombs of Rome- Roman laws forbade the burial of the deceased within city limits.  Therefore, are at least 40 different underround burial places scattered around Rome, and more are being discovered in recent times as the city continues to develop.  Construction projects in this area are often halted because workers come across ruins dating back to the Roman Empire and beyond.  Though most famous for it’s Christian burial sights, there are also pagan and Jewish burial grounds mixed in the catacombs as well.

The Roman catacombs have been well preserved, many still featuring frescoes from 400 AD.  They are an important source of information about the art of that period.

Znojmo Catacombs

Znojmo, Czech Republic- Znojmo Catacombs- These catacombs are a large labyrinth of passageways, cellars situated under the historic city of Znojmo.  The burial grounds date back to the 1300′s and were expanded over time.  The underground maze was orginally built to protect the townspeople from invading forces.  The catacombs are open to the public from April to October.