As the official page of the site explains, the history of the Paris catacombs as we know them now began at the end of the century XVIII. The city’s cemeteries were over capacity and the authorities decided to transport the bones to a series of underground labyrinths that in total had an area of 800 hectares.
The move began in 1785. At first, the remains simply piled up in piles on the floor. But later they were accommodated in gallery form, with which the place became an ossuary. It is estimated that the catacombs protect the bones of 6 million people.
In 1809 the great underground tomb was opened to the public, but it could only be entered by making an appointment (Napoleon III toured it with his son in 1860). It was in the XIX century when it became a tourist attraction that now welcomes approximately 550,000 visitors annually. The first film in history that had permission to film within its walls wase As Above, So Below.
Also known in Spanish as Así en la Tierra como en el fuego, it is a 2014 production in the style of Blair’s wich, with videos in first person. Scarlett is an Archeology student who is convinced that an important relic is hidden beneath Paris, and the only way to get to it is through the catacombs. As you can imagine, something terrible and unexpected awaits them in the depths, according to
The film received both positive and negative reviews after its release. On the one hand, there are those who believe that it shows too many cheesy clichés or that it lacked more exploitation of terror. In the other corner are those who applauded the fact that it is not a typical ghost story. No matter which side you join after watching it, the historical attraction is not lostbecause it is the only feature film that was made in this place.
Before filming, the production team had to ensure that the walls would not collapse and that everyone involved would be able to breathe normally. Down there there was no electricity or telephone signalso the feeling of being trapped and far from the outside world was experienced both in front of the camera and behind it.