Stuff You Should Know – Short Stuff: Père-Lachaise Cemetery

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts delve into the fascinating history and details of the Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Known for being the final resting place of famous figures like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Chopin, this cemetery holds a rich history and unique features that make it a must-visit for millions of people every year.

Main Takeaways

History and Significance

• Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, known for Jim Morrison’s burial.
• The cemetery was built in 1804 by Napoleon, with an urban feel and neighborhoods segregated by religion.
• It was the first cemetery to kick off the Gardner Landscape Cemetery craze, with winding paths, shrubs, and trees.
• The cemetery is over 100 acres large and has over a million interments, with only 150 plots available per year among all 14 of Paris’s city cemeteries.
• Paris’s cemeteries are in high demand and the price of plots has risen accordingly, leading to criticism that only the wealthy can afford to be buried there.
• It is unclear if plots can be bought through bidding or if there is a waiting list.

Famous Burials

• Some famous people buried in the cemetery include Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Eve Montan, and Marcel Marceau.
• Adora Duncan was a famous writer and salon holder in Paris who is also buried there.

Innovations and Challenges

• The cemetery was a radical departure from traditional burials in Paris and was not immediately popular.
• Moliere’s remains were allegedly buried there to get people interested in the cemetery.
• Burial has always been a problem in Paris due to space issues.
• Parallel Shades Cemetery allowed people to buy a plot for eternity, leading to a shortage of plots.

Visitor Experience

• The cemetery is visited by about 4 million people every year.
• Love letters between buried couples are still read today.
• Cemetery pumped up interest by advertising famous burials.
• Couples were reburied together in a specially designed crypt.
• Woodstock, NY cemetery is home to graves of band members Leavon Helm and Rick Denko.
• None of the cemeteries mentioned compare to Woodstock’s cemetery, according to the speakers.

Summary

The Fascinating History of Père-Lachaise Cemetery

Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris holds a significant place in history as one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. Built in 1804 by Napoleon, it introduced a new concept of urban cemeteries with segregated neighborhoods based on religion. The cemetery’s design, featuring winding paths, shrubs, and trees, sparked the Gardner Landscape Cemetery craze. Despite its initial unpopularity, the cemetery now covers over 100 acres and has over a million interments.

Famous Figures at Rest

Père-Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of numerous renowned individuals, including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Eve Montan, and Marcel Marceau. Adora Duncan, a notable writer and salon holder in Paris, is also buried there, further adding to the cemetery’s cultural significance.

Innovations and Challenges

The cemetery’s unconventional approach to burials faced initial resistance. To generate interest, Moliere’s remains were allegedly transferred to Père-Lachaise Cemetery. Over the years, Paris has grappled with space issues for burials, leading to the creation of the Parallel Shades Cemetery, where people could buy plots for eternity. However, this innovation eventually resulted in a shortage of plots, highlighting the ongoing challenges surrounding burial practices in the city.

A Visitor’s Experience

Père-Lachaise Cemetery attracts approximately 4 million visitors annually. Love letters between buried couples are still read, offering a glimpse into the enduring connections even in death. The cemetery’s management has capitalized on the fame of its notable burials, advertising them to increase public interest. Additionally, couples have been reburied together in a specially designed crypt, emphasizing the cemetery’s commitment to preserving relationships even in the afterlife. While other cemeteries are also noteworthy, the speakers believe that the Woodstock, NY cemetery, with graves of band members Leavon Helm and Rick Denko, holds a unique charm.

Conclusion

Père-Lachaise Cemetery stands as a testament to history, innovation, and the enduring power of remembrance. Its famous burials, beautiful design, and visitor experience make it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the intersection of art, culture, and mortality.