The Catacombs are human-made subterranean passageways for religious practice, and any chamber used as a burial place is considered a catacomb
. They are most commonly associated with the Roman Empire and are found all over the Mediterranean world, including Malta, Sicily, Egypt, Lebanon, and Italy
. The first place to be referred to as catacombs was the system of underground tombs between the 2nd and 4th centuries, where the bodies of the apostles Peter and Paul, among others, were said to have been buried
. The history of the Paris Catacombs starts in the late eighteenth century when major public health problems tied to the city's cemeteries led to a decision to transfer their Paris authorities chose an easily accessible site that was, at the time, located outside the capital: the former Tombe-Issoire quarries under the plain of Montrouge
. The site was consecrated as the “Paris Municipal Ossuary” on April 7, 1786, and, from that time forward, took on the mythical name of “Catacombs” in reference to the Roman catacombs, which had fascinated the public since their discovery
. Starting in 1809, the Catacombs were opened to the public by appointment, and since then, they have been a popular tourist attraction
. The Catacombs of Paris hold the remains of more than six million people and are now open to everyone without requiring an authorization
. They are known for their unique architecture and artwork, which includes inscriptions, paintings, statues, and ornaments
