Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Introduction: The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is located at the highest point of Paris's Montmartre district. From here, you can overlook landmarks such as the Centre Pompidou, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Hôtel des Invalides.

The church was built starting in 1876 and was completed and opened in 1919. It was funded by donations from all over France. The interior features numerous reliefs, murals, and mosaics. Above the altar is a grand ceiling fresco depicting Jesus facing God the Father, with the Virgin Mary and others standing by their sides.

Its striking white dome showcases a unique blend of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles. It is surrounded by four smaller domes and topped with one large central dome, giving it an distinctly Eastern feel. At the rear of the church stands an 84-meter-high square bell tower housing the Savoyarde bell, which weighs 19 tons and is one of the most famous bells in the world. Climbing up the solemn stone steps leads you to the main façade of the basilica and its three-arched porch, above which stand statues of King Saint Louis and Joan of Arc on horseback.

The church’s worship hall is divided into two levels: the lower level was intended for use by attendants and servants and is decorated in bright, lively colors. The upper level was reserved for royalty and nobility. Its windows, reaching up to 15 meters high, are fitted with stained glass that fills the interior with radiant, dreamlike light. These stained glass panels depict over 1,100 biblical stories, resembling a comic-book version of the Bible.

In front of the basilica lies the Place du Tertre, one of the most artistically distinctive squares in Paris, where many young painters come to sketch. Transportation: Metro Line 2 to Anvers Station, Line 4 to Château Rouge Station, or Line 12 to Abbesses Station. Ticket/Opening Hours: €4.5; €2.5 for those under 25. Opening Hours: 7:00–23:15

Paris, France