This temple is visible from almost anywhere in Paris and has long become the same symbol of the French capital as Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower. Its airy milky-white outlines float over the city in the morning fog, delighting amazed tourists with its majesty and lightness at the same time. The observation deck of the Sacre Coeur cathedral in Paris offers the best views of the city, which is visible from this point to the southernmost high-rise outskirts.
On the Mount of Martyrs
The notorious events of the Paris Commune began here, on the hill of Montmartre, and therefore the Parisians did not want to see a temple at this place for a long time. They perceived its construction as a mockery of the blessed memory of those who died for popular ideas.
The name Montmartre means "mountain of martyrs" and once there was an ancient Roman settlement here. Today, the 130-meter hill is a favorite walking place for both Parisians and tourists. There are many summer cafes, openings here, street artists demonstrate their creativity, and mimes entertain the public, hoping for a generous tip.
But the main decoration of Montmartre is the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris, whose name means the Temple of the Heart of Christ.
Meringue on the hill
It is with the meringue cake that the domes of the temple, hovering over the city, are often compared. Its construction began in 1875, and the chief architect was Paul Abadie, who restored Notre Dame and about forty other medieval churches and cathedrals throughout the country. The construction was literally suspended at the very beginning due to problems with the soil. Medieval quarries near Montmartre made the soil unstable. As a result of Abadi's ingenious plan, the ground was strengthened, but the architect himself did not live to see the end of the construction, which ended in the twentieth century.
The Basilica of the Sacre Coeur in Paris is built of special limestone, which, due to weather influences, takes on an increasingly lighter shade. The interiors of the temple are decorated with stained glass windows and Merson's mosaic "France's reverence for the Heart of the Lord."
Interesting Facts
- The Savoyard bell of the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris weighs 19 tons and is considered the largest in France. It was cast in 1891 in the city of Annecy.
- The height of the bell tower of the temple is almost 100 meters, and the height of the main dome is 83 meters.
- The multi-tiered staircase leading from the foot of the church has 237 steps. It is decorated with sculptures of Joan of Arc and Saint Louis.
- The panorama of the city opens in clear weather for 50 kilometers.
