Sacré Coeur Basilica (Basilique du Sacré Coeur de Montmartre)
Located at the highest point on the sacred hill of Montmartre, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart stands approximately 600 feet above the city of Paris, France. The Basilica, a place of pilgrimage, is said to have been inspired by a vision of Archbishop Guibert in 1872 as a dedication to Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris who was beheaded in the 3rd century. Others in history believe that it was built as an act of atonement for the loss of some 58,000 lives, the martyrs in the siege of the Franco-Prussian War. Clearly, however, it is seen as a permanent monument to the restoration of the monarchy and the Catholic Church in France. Through the years, many saints, popes, artists, and ordinary people have come to the Mount of Martyrs including Saint Germain, Saint Bernard, Saint Javier of the Jesuits, Saint Theresa, and the poet Max Jacob.
Through the efforts of two French businessmen, Alexandre Legentil and Rohault de Fleury, the foundation stone for the Basilica was laid in 1875 and over 7 million francs were donated, primarily by French Catholics, toward its construction. After the initial funds were depleted, a provisional chapel was built in 1876 to gain donations from pilgrimages by offering a column, a brick, or some small item in return. Ultimately, the National Assembly established the state as the primary funder, and construction was completed in 1914. Official consecration was delayed until October 16, 1919 after WWI.
Originally designed by Paul Abadie, and a succession of six more architects, this historical cathedral is patterned after the Saint-Front church in Périgueux and represents a combination of Roman and Byzantine architecture. The wide aisles, columns, high windows, and domes reflect the Eastern influence of the Middle Ages. The Basilica was constructed primarily from Chateau-Landon travertine stone, which ages to a glistening white and gives the effect of polished marble. Hippolyte Lefebvre’s bronze equestrian statues of Joan of Arc and King Saint Louis IX stand on either side of the three arches of the portico. The Last Supper and scenes taken from his life are sculpted on the bronze doors, with the statue of Christ above the main entrance. The 19-ton Savoyarde bell, symbolizing France’s annexation of the region of Savoy in 1860, is one of the heaviest in the world and can be heard for miles. Christ in Majesty by Luc-Olivier Merson, one of the largest mosaics in the world, depicts the Virgin Mary, cardinals, bishops, and saints of France in the apse of the ornate interior. Since 1885, the Blessed Sacrament has remained on display above the altar, and the Crypt contains the heart of Legentil, or some believe it contains the heart of Christ. The large organ, built by Aristide Cavillé-Coll, was installed by his son-in-law Charles Mutin in 1905.
Visitors may choose to climb the 234 steps or take the hill tram, funiculaire, to the top of the dome for a spectacular, panoramic view of the city. In addition to the meditation garden on the grounds, the Place du Tertre, one of the nicest squares in Paris, is nearby. Here, aspiring artists gather to paint and sell their wares, and tourists come to the fascinating Montmartre District, made famous by painters such as Picasso, Renoir, Pissaro, Utrillo, and many others.
Hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. Dome & Crypt – 9 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. (in summer).
Admission: Free to Basilica, Small fee to Dome & Crypt. Handicap accessible.
Masses: Sunday – 11 a.m., 6 and 10:15 p.m; Friday – 3 p.m. meditation sung in French.