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Apparition

The Ghosts of Père Lachaise

The world's most visited cemetery is home to the spirits of its famous dead.

1804 - Present
Paris, France
10000+ witnesses

The Ghosts of Père Lachaise

Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris is the final resting place of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and countless other notable figures. Since its establishment in 1804, visitors have reported encountering the restless spirits of its famous inhabitants.

The Cemetery

Named for Father François de la Chaise, confessor to Louis XIV, Père Lachaise covers over 100 acres with elaborate tombs and monuments. Over one million people are buried here. Three million visitors come annually.

The Famous Ghosts

Jim Morrison’s grave is said to be haunted by the rock star’s spirit, which has been seen and heard singing. Oscar Wilde’s tomb attracts strange phenomena. Composer Frédéric Chopin has been heard playing piano near his memorial.

The Mass Graves

The cemetery contains the remains of hundreds killed during the Paris Commune in 1871, executed against the Federalists’ Wall. Visitors report feelings of intense sadness and hear screaming near this location.

The Experiences

Visitors describe cold spots, apparitions among the tombs, and feelings of being watched. Photography sometimes captures unexpected figures. Electronic equipment malfunctions frequently.

The Spiritualists

Spirit mediums have conducted sessions in Père Lachaise, claiming to contact the famous dead. Allan Kardec, founder of Spiritism, is buried here, and his tomb is a pilgrimage site for believers.

Assessment

Père Lachaise concentrates an unusual density of strong personalities in a single location. Whether their spirits actually remain or visitors project expectations onto the atmospheric setting, the cemetery generates consistent paranormal reports.