It might seem morbid to some, but I’m always fascinated by cemeteries. All those people, lives, stories, now reduced to a piece of granite or marble and, if you’re lucky, some flowers from those who remember. The older cemeteries now have their own histories, and I find it strangely peaceful to wander amongst the headstones and try to imagine from someone’s epitaph what their life might have been like. Were they young when they passed away? Victims of war or sickness? Or are they now part of a double grave, as united in death as they were in life?
Père Lachaise Cemetery is located in the 20th arrondissement in Paris and was the first garden cemetery of its kind. It was established by Napoleon in 1804 as part of a programme of cemetery building around the city to deal with over-crowding – eurgh! On a hillside gazing over the city, its wide boulevards, many paths and roadways now embrace over a million graves, with many famous artists, musicians, thinkers and writers within its walls.
My sister Zoe and I arrived early on Saturday morning and enjoyed the peace of the cemetery with few people around. We didn’t have too many graves in mind to visit, instead choosing to explore the windy paths and soak up the atmosphere. It was unexpected, but the green everywhere in the cemetery really struck me. It wasn’t manicured like many of the gardens and parks in Paris, with nature instead in many places being able to take its own course.
The memorial to Abélard and Héloïse, star-crossed lovers if ever there were
One of the most famous graves in Père Lachaise is that of Jim Morrison, singer in The Doors. His grave is tucked away but we were able to find it relatively easily with a bit of Google Maps and following our noses!
It’s now quite difficult to be buried in Pére Lachaise – you must have lived or died in Paris. In addition, there’s now a waiting list. However, many of the gravesites are not permanently owned as you can instead take out a 30-year lease, after which time your bones are moved and the site freed up for new ones! Personally I find that idea pretty creepy…
Looking over the city
Sadly not all the graves are in perfect condition
For more information on visiting Père Lachaise Cemetery, click here
Another of my favourite cemeteries is Greyfriars Cemetery in Edinburgh. Have you visited either of these? Do you find cemeteries creepy or peaceful?
It seems to come around faster every week but I’m so excited for another Travel Tuesday! This week I am featuring Marianne of Californienne and her beautiful photographs that she took over a weekend of exploring Marseille. I had little idea about the city before I read her post, and was particularly fascinated to see how gorgeous so much of it is, and how much there was to do there. Another one to add to the list – thanks Marianne!
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