Sacre Coeur: A Beautiful Church and View of the River Seine Combined

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, located on top of Montmarte, is the highest point in Paris, and affords an expansive view of the Seine. Because of how high the ground is at this location, the Basilica is visible from most points within Paris.

This site is infamous for being the location of the beheading of Saint Denis, the patron saint of Paris, in AD 250. Legend holds that upon losing his execution, Saint Denis retrieved his fallen head and carried it to the present-day location of the city of Saint Denis. From this unholy legend, the ground upon this butte covers expansive chalk mines. Historical legend holds that the Sacre Coeur was constructed because of a pact between two businessmen to do so if Paris would be spared an invasion by the Prussions in the late 19^th century. Although the city was spared, Parisians ate all of the animals in the city to survive during their struggle. Following the Franco-Prussian war and the Commune of 1871, fundraising through national subscription began to build the present structure. After several years, the National Assembly declared that construction would become a state-funded and directed project.

Construction on the Sacre Coeur lasted almost 40 years. The site design was developed by architect Paul Abadie, whose plans were chosen in a contest including nearly 100 entrants. Abadie did not live to see his finished work, dying only 9 years after the foundation stone was laid in 1875. When this project began, it was said that the basilica was being built "pour expire les crimes des communards", or to expiate the crimes of the Communards - those individuals loyal to the socialist government that briefly ruled the city of Paris before coming to a bloody and violent end that resulted in the deaths of 17,000 defenders of Paris. Because of the intent of this building, it is considered a controversial monument. The secondary intent of this landmark was as a remembrance of those slain in the Franco Prussian War and the Paris Commune. Ironically, the Sacre Coeur was not officially consecrated and opened for worship until after the German defeat following the First World War.

While climbing the broad stairs that lead you to the top of the butte, you'll notice that the architecture of the Sacre Coeur is considered to be nationalist in style, particularly the triple-arched portico upon which statues of St. Joan of Arc and King Saint Louis IV are displayed. This nationalist style depends upon the foundation of a Romanesque-Byzantine design favored by architect Abadie. These stairs are a favorite local meeting place, and many sit upon the gross knolls while watching fantastic sunsets over the city. It was at this location that French Intelligence Officer Gustave Bertrand was captured by the Germans near the end of the Second World War. The white exterior of the church appears white because the edifice is Chateau-Landon stone, a frost-resistant substance that expels calcite as it weathers, causing a bleaching appearance.

As you enter the Sacre Coeur, you will notice that mosaics seem to glow throughout dimly-lit interior. The first mosaic you'll encounter, in the apse, is Christin Majesty. Depicted with his arms outstretched in welcome, this is one of the largest mosaics in the world. Although the stained glass in this basilica is not as old as that in Notre Dame, it is arguably among the most attractive in the area. As you continue your stroll through the building, notice the area behind the high alter, where the Blessed Sacrament has been continuously on display for over 120 years.

On the lowest level, you'll find the crypt. This crypt contains an ancient relic that some faithful followers believe is Christ's Sacred Heart, explaining the origin of the site's name. Continue your tour by traveling to the top of the dome, where you will be afforded a panoramic view in all directions that can extend over 30 kilometers. The bell tower housing the Savoyarde, a famous bell, is 83 meters high, making it the second highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. The 18.5 ton bell, cast in Annency, is one of the world's heaviest. When leaving, exit the rear entrance, pas the mural of Christ's Passion, to view the lovely garden and water fountain on the ground.

The Sacre Coeur is open daily from 7 AM until 11 PM. The dome and crypt are only open from 9 AM to 6 PM, and require tickets to tour.

Enjoy your tour of the Sacre Coeur, and remember the advice of Saint Denis - follow your head!