Origins of Père-Lachaise Cemetery

Père-Lachaise Cemetery, located in the eastern part of Paris, began as a largely neglected burial ground. Opened on May 21, 1804, by the prefect of the Seine, Nicolas Frochot, the cemetery was initially named the East Cemetery and was designed by architect Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart, known for the Palais de la Bourse.

Initial Reception and Growth

The site, however, was far from the city center and was considered undesirable by Parisians, who were reluctant to be buried on high ground in a neighborhood known for being poor and popular. In the first year, the cemetery received only 13 concessions, and by 1805, the number had risen to 44, increasing slightly over the following years to 833 concessions in 1812.

Transformation into a Tourist Attraction

The transformation of Père-Lachaise into a major tourist attraction began in 1817 when the City of Paris moved the remains of famous historical and literary figures, including Molière and La Fontaine, as well as Héloïse and Abélard. These remains were placed in specific sections of the cemetery, with Molière and La Fontaine in the 25th division and Héloïse and Abélard in the 7th.

Marketing and Expansion

The move was accompanied by a "Guide for the sentimental visitor" to promote the cemetery as a destination for tourists. This marketing effort proved successful, and by 1830, the cemetery had grown to 33,000 tombs, necessitating multiple expansions over the following decades.

Current Status and Popularity

The cemetery's popularity continued to grow, and by the 1950s, it had become full. Today, Père-Lachaise covers 43 hectares and has approximately 70,000 concessions. It attracts over 3 million visitors annually, making it the most visited cemetery in the world.

Notable Graves and Historical Figures

The cemetery is now home to the graves of many notable figures, including Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde, in addition to the historical figures initially placed there.

Authenticity of Famous Remains

Despite its fame, the authenticity of the remains of Molière and La Fontaine is considered uncertain by several guides. Molière was originally buried in the Saint-Joseph cemetery without ceremony, and La Fontaine's remains were later transferred to the catacombs.

Construction of the Héloïse and Abélard Tomb

The remains moved to Père-Lachaise were reportedly collected by Alexandre Lenoir and may not be the actual remains of the individuals. The tomb of Héloïse and Abélard was constructed from heterogeneous pieces, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the authenticity of the remains.