Tuesday, November 01, 2016

Calvaire Cemetery - open today!

Today, All Saints Day, is one of the three days a year that the oldest cemetery in Paris is open to the public. (The other is Heritage Days, the 3rd weekend of September.)

Located adjacent to Saint Pierre church and just steps away from Sacre Coeur and Place du Tertre this space is a slice of Paris history just waiting to be enjoyed.

Opened in 1688, the tiny Calvaire is not only the oldest cemetery in Paris but undoubtedly the smallest as well. It’s 600 square meters holds some 85 graves. The cemetery was officially closed in 1831 when it was replaced by Saint-Vincent Cemetery.

One notable thing to be seen any time of year is the superb bronze door at the entrance created in 1980 by Italian sculptor Tommaso Gismondi.

Directions
Make your way to the Butte Montmartre — from Sacre Coeur walk around Rue Azais to Rue du Mont Cenis and the cemetery and church Saint-Pierre is on your right. Or, from Place du Tertre take Rue Norvins to Rue Mont Cenis, turn right and the cemetery is on your left.

Entrance
One entrance on the north side of the small square in front of the ancient church of Saint-Pierre.

Facilities
None.

Guidemap

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