Description of the attraction
The Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart, that is, the Heart of Jesus), towering over Paris as a snow-white mass, is a symbol of the city and a place of pilgrimage for Christians all over the world.
History of the construction of the basilica
The idea of building a basilica arose in a difficult time for France. The Franco-Prussian War (1870 - 1871) ended in defeat, huge losses, and the uprising of the Paris Commune. The response to the wave of violence was proposed by two wealthy, devout Parisians - Alexandre Lejantil and Hubert de Fleury: to build a church as a token of guilt and hope for the forgiveness of sins.
The place for the temple - the top of Montmartre - was not chosen by chance. The point is not only that this is the highest point in the city. Here in the 3rd century St. Dionysius of Paris, the first archbishop of the city; here the revolution destroyed the Benedictine monastery, in the chapel of which St. Ignatius Loyola once took vows of chastity, poverty and missionary work; here was born the Paris Commune, whose sins were intended to atone for the construction of the Sacre-Coeur.
The competition for the best design was won by the architect Paul Abadi. The basilica was built for thirty-five years - with donations from believers and government money. In 1914, everything was ready, but the First World War began, and the basilica was consecrated only in 1919.
At first, the Parisians disliked the new church. Zola called it an overwhelming stone mass. Many did not like the unusual appearance of the basilica - it was built in the Roman-Byzantine style. Now her beauty is recognized by everyone.
Temple architecture
The basilica has five domes, the height of the central one is 83 meters, this is the second highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. The church owes its milky white color to travertine - a stone from the Château-Landon quarries. When it rains, travertine cleans itself, becoming even whiter. The Sacre-Coeur bell tower houses the famous "Savoyard" - a 19-ton bell donated by the Savoyard dioceses. Inside, the church is lavishly decorated with mosaics, stained glass windows, statues, marble and gold. The Christ in Glory mosaic is one of the largest in the world. The crypt contains a burial urn with the heart of Alexander Lejantil. The gallery of the dome offers a stunning view of Paris.
Sacre Coeur is visited by 10 million tourists and pilgrims annually. Since 1885, there has been a continuous worship of Christ in the basilica: day and night people pray before the Blessed Gifts. Therefore, tourists are asked to keep quiet and dress appropriately.
On a note
- Location: 35, Rue Chevalier de La Barre, Paris
- Nearest metro station: "Lamarck - Caulaincourt" line M12
- Official website:
- Opening hours: daily from 09.00 to 18.00.
- Tickets: admission to the basilica - free, observation deck - 5 euros.
