Sightseeing the Religious Side of Paris

Paris might be famous as "The City of Lights," but it is also the capital of a thoroughly Catholic country. As such, the city is dotted with fine churches. Some of these churches are textbook monuments of medieval architecture or house relics of significant spiritual value, but most of all, the churches of Paris in many ways tell the story of Paris. From a visitor's point of view, three houses of worship in particular stand out among the cathedrals of Paris.

Basilique du Sacre Coeur
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a massive white travertine monument to the recapture of the city from the Paris Commune by counter-revolutionary forces in 1871. Crowning the highest point in the city, the views of Paris from the basilica are reason enough to make a visit. On a clear day, the panorama extends for 30 miles. The interior is decorated by striking mosaics and an inspiring mural of the Passion of the Christ graces the wall behind the altar. Also of note is the church organ, the work of Aristide Cavaille-Coll, widely regarded as the greatest organ-builder of the 19th century. Sacre Coeur's origins also make it one of the most controversial churches in Paris, and left-wing intellectuals have been decrying it ever since. Admission to the basilica is free, but a modest fee is charged to see the crypt and upper dome, and cameras and camcorders are banned.

La Sainte-Chapelle
Built by the pious Louis IX, La Sainte-Chapelle is widely regarded as a high point in Gothic architecture and a true medieval classic. Many view this as the most beautiful of all of Paris's churches, eclipsing even Notre Dame, due in large part to its outstanding stained glass windows, most of which are 13th century originals which somehow survived the tumult of the French Revolution. Standing inside La Sainte-Chapelle on a sunny day, with all the natural light flooding through that magnificent stained glass, is a true and often overlooked gem of a visit to Paris. The chapel charges an admission fee, but free tours in English are offered on weekdays between 11 am and 3 pm. Sainte-Chapelle is also a concert venue from March through November, with music staged every evening.

Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral is the most famous of Paris's churches, and a true international icon. Completed in the mid-14th century, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris and the home of the supposed reliquary for the Crown of Thorns (the painful ornament worn by Jesus Christ at the Crucifixion). Some feel that the interior of Notre Dame is a gloomy place, but the exterior is an inspiring example of Gothic architecture and the model for cathedrals around the world. Few realize that the modern Notre Dame is an extensive restoration, but one of the church's surviving original features is the medieval Virgin at the Portal of the Cloisters. Admission to the cathedral is free, but the crypt, towers, museum and treasury each has its own separate admission fee. The towers are sometimes closed early if the cathedral is overcrowded, so be sure to arrive early for a close look at Notre Dame's famous gargoyles.