The Paris Catacombs II

The Paris Catacombs span over 300 km in length. Ancient in origin, the government converted several subterranean areas into mass graves in the 18th century. Overcrowding in the medieval cemeteries of Paris led to massive disease problems, and so, in 1785, the bones and rotting corpses of 5 to 6 million people were tranported and arranged here.

Above the door outside are the words, in French "Stop! This is the empire of death." When the tourists move away, these corridors are indeed as silent as the grave.