Sacré-Coeur Basilica, an expiatory church
The history of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is unique!
In 1871, France emerged defeated from the Franco Prussian War, which brought down the Second Empire, and Paris had just been ravaged by fire and bloodshed during the Commune de Paris, the ensuing insurrection.
These tragic events prompted some politicians to propose building an expiatory church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as a symbol of penance and remembrance.
The hill of Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, was the ideal location for the basilica, as the building would be visible from all districts of the city.
In 1873, the National Assembly officially authorised the construction of the basilica by decree. Work began in 1875 under the direction of the architects Paul Abadie, Bossan, and Espérandieu.
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica was completed in 1912, but it was not consecrated until 1919 because of the First World War.
Sacré-Coeur Basilica’s Byzantine architecture
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is renowned not only for its exceptional location but also for its remarkable Byzantine architecture and imposing dimensions.
Its majestic white silhouette is crowned with cupolas, an 80-metre-high central dome and an elegant bell tower.
The basilica overlooks Paris and is visible from afar.
Its impressive bell, the Savoyarde, cast in Annecy in 1895 and generously donated by the Diocese of Savoy, weighs 19 tons, making it one of the heaviest bells in the world.
The interior of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica boasts a wealth of exceptional religious objects, including a sculpture of the Virgin and Child, created in 1886 by the sculptor Brunet.
The interior is also adorned with magnificent Byzantine-style inspired mosaics. The renowned painter Luc-Olivier Merson created “France’s Devotion to the Sacred Heart,” which adorns the vaulted ceiling of the chancel.
Entry to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is free, but indoors photographs are not permitted.
Directions: Sacré-Cœur Basilica – 18th District
Metro: Anvers on Line 2
Coordinates: Lat 48.886705 – Long 2.343104
Discover more on Montmartre
Montmartre Village Place du Tertre – Petit Cimetiere du Calvaire – Saint-Pierre-de-Montmartre Church – Saint-Jean-de-Montmartre Church – Montmartre Abbey Sanctum Martyrium Crypt – Montmartre Cemetery – Saint-Vincent Cemetery – Le Passe Muraille sculpture – Mur des Je t’Aime – Abbesses Art Nouveau Metro station – Bateau Lavoir – Montmartre grape harvest festival
Photo via Wikimedia Commons: Apse and mosaic by Didier B (Sam67fr) CC BY-SA 2.5
